CHAPTER 32

“My name is Shion Masaki, nice to meet you.” I rehearsed quietly.

I need to stop mumbling and speak with a clear and loud voice. I pace back and forth, back and forth. Once I ring the doorbell there was no going back.

I have a half-brother and sister.

I’m not sure if they know about me. Would they accept me in open arms? Should I just show up, saying something like:

“Hello! I am Shion Masaki, your long-lost half-sister. Nice to meet you!”

No, I can’t!

My thick-framed glasses and short hair was sufficient enough to cover my face; I wasn’t comfortable making eye contact with people for the most part. I sometimes wished I had the courage to live up to the expectations of being a gang leader’s daughter. But the problem was I was a fake, a pretender, illegitimate. It was the one thing that was keeping me distant from my dad.

I am the daughter of a dangerous man, the leader of the Domino Dogs. At least, that’s what everyone thinks. Dad was anything but that. The man I knew was kind, caring, and saved me and my mother. But, for the truth to come out, all his rivals and enemies would deem him weak and soft. I always hated that part. I wanted to be able to walk in public with my dad, for him to show up to my school events, but none of that was possible – or will it ever be.

My mother died when I was younger; I can barely remember her face to be honest. Since I was so young, I don’t exactly feel sad when I think about her. There were no memories to look fondly upon. Though like anyone else, I still had this lingering feeling inside me whenever I thought about my mom. I’d ask him what she was like, but he wouldn’t ever tell me much about her. But, he’d reminisce about his first wife, Hana, and how she had the best miso soup in the world. The more I asked about mom the less he spoke.

Just what kind of relationship did my dad have with mom?

I’m glad I have my dad, as he’s the only thing I need in this world. I just wished he told me the truth about the past.

I can’t bring myself to knock on the door. Dad’s arrest was still fresh on my mind.

I was walking home alone; making sure no one was following me, only to find that my complex had a bunch of sirens and police everywhere when I arrived. I saw my father bound in chains, being escorted towards a black car. What seemed strange was that despite a few uniformed officers, mostly everyone was dressed inconspicuously.

“Dad!”

I dropped everything and ran towards him, only for someone to grab me from behind, holding me back.

“W-What happened?!?” I shouted.

My father struggled to get closer to me, but they wouldn’t let him. I only managed break free to speak with him for a moment before he entered the car.

“Go to your brother, forget about me.”

Those were his last words. I don’t know why it bothered me so much. It was always about him. Not something like “I love you” or “I’ll never forget” like the movies. Dad just left.

After a few days of gathering information with the Dominos, I managed to track down where Daisuke Akatsuka lived. I couldn’t believe he was that close to us. I just wonder why dad never visited him.

Will he have the answers for me?

I try to collect myself as I pull out a cloth from my pocket to clean my glasses.

“You’ll be fine. You’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.” I mutter to myself.

I take a deep breath, and knock on the door.

“Coming…” I hear behind it.

It opens.

I tilt my head up to see his face.

“Hello?”

He looks like the splitting image of dad. He gives off a bit of a delinquent vibe! I don’t know what I expected, but he was taller than I imagined. I couldn’t believe he looked that mature, considering he was supposed to be around my age. But seeing him up close like this surpassed my expectations. For the first time, I felt someone’s glow, their warmth, and all I had to do was reach for it.

Would he give that to me?

“Um…do I know you?” his casual tone snaps me out of my daze.

“A-Are you…Daisuke Akatsuka?” I slip out.

“Yes…?” he replies, waiting for a response.

“Who is it big bro?” I hear another voice behind him.

Daisuke turns his attention away from me. A little girl appears by his side.

“Ah, excuse me. This is my sister Yui. She’s just curious that’s all.”

He kneels down her level.

“Hey, remember not to assert yourself. Doctor’s orders.” he says with a stern expression.

His sister yawns and reluctantly accepts.

“Okay…”

So that’s my adorable half-sister…

“Oh!”

Daisuke finally turns his attention back at me.

“I’m sorry about that. What was your name again?” he asks.

What do I say? Was it right of me to intrude on this household? It was obvious from this single interaction that their bond as siblings was close. Here I was, this meek and weak girl, randomly showing up on their doorstep. It was dad’s instructions right? He’s never been wrong before.

My mind is blank!

“It’s…about...”

Daisuke furrowed his brow.

“What…?”

I tell him dad’s name. Daisuke’s face turns pale.

“A-And…”

“Stop.” he interrupts me before I can tell him what happened.

“I don’t know who you are or how you found me, but leave. Now.” he growls.

“W-Wait, I know he’s been missing, but-“

“Then you know why I want nothing to do with him.” he finishes the sentence for me.

His warm exterior was gone. The intensity of his eyes stared deep into my psyche; it’s nauseating. I try my best to keep myself from passing out.

“B-But he told me to come find you, that-“

“That I’d what? Have the answers? Why are you so obsessed with my dad?”

“Because he’s my dad too.” I muster up the courage to look him in the eyes. Were it not for his bleach-blonde tips, it was like looking at a younger version of dad.

Daisuke’s frozen in place. I can’t tell what he’s thinking. I don’t blame him. I dropped one shocking revelation after another.

“Then…” he speaks up.

“Then you’re…you’re the reason why he left. Why he was never there for us. It’s because he chose you and…” he stops himself.

I want to look away but I can’t. I want to apologize, to get down onto my knees and beg for forgiveness, but I can’t. I’m stuck, paralyzed from his words. Deep down, I knew it to be true.

“Just go away.” he shuts the door in front of me.

Of course. That’s what I expected to happen. I shouldn’t be surprised. No one in the world was going to accept me in open arms. Only dad was the only one who embraced me, but even then, I was his biggest mistake. He could never look me directly in the eyes, as I was a constant reminder of his biggest shame.

If only I didn’t exist.

I can feel the tears pouring down my cheeks. The lenses of my glasses were fogging up. I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs, but nothing was coming out. I didn’t ask for this, I didn’t ask to be born!

Then if I can’t be accepted…

I wipe away my tears. This was it. If no one accepts me, then I’ll make them accept me. I’ll do whatever it takes. Whatever it takes to free dad.

Shion Masaki, it’s time for you to take charge of your life.

Phew!

I wipe the sweat off my brow and veer my head around the corner, making sure the swarms of girls were gone.

Who would’ve thought my debut at school was going to be like this? I honestly think that if it got leaked that I was a prince, it’d been even worse!

“And it’s all thanks to you.”

The girl smiles at me adoringly.

“You’re welcome!”

Next to me was an extremely cute girl! Not as cute as Mary of course haha…but super cute nonetheless. I was minding my own business until I heard a stampede of girls chasing after me. I would’ve been a goner had it not been for this mysterious heroine telling me to follow her. She was a little shorter than me, but slim. Her silver colored hair was tied up with a bright red ribbon, which looked kinda like bunny ears. I think if she didn’t reach out to me, I would’ve mistaken her for a mannequin since she looked so pretty like a doll.

Suddenly it just hit me how close she was…as I can smell the scent of her perfume!

“O-Oh! Thank you very much!” as I bow instinctively.

Oh wait! I’m not supposed to do that!

I immediately raise my head.

“By the way…what was your name?” I ask her.

“My name’s Shion.” she smiles and holds up a peace sign.

“And my name is-“

“Alexander. I know.” she interrupts me.

“I suppose everyone knows me by now haha…”

Despite trying to keep everything under wraps, it seems word got out quickly that there was this mysterious blonde-haired foreigner had arrived.

I hope Frederick is doing alright…

“It’s not every day we get to see someone like you here.”

That was a strange statement to make.

“Wait…isn’t there already someone here who’s blonde?” I ask.

I made sure to transfer to Mary’s school…

Shion covers her agape mouth in surprise.

“Oops! Yeah there is. Completely forgot about the Roadrunner.” as she cutely sighs. “I’m kinda new here too so…maybe we could stick together…?”

“R-Really?!?”

Alright!

It was barely even the first week and I managed to make friends with this super cute girl!

“O-Of course! U-Us new people gotta stick together…” I mask my anxiousness with awkward laughter.

Real smooth Al…

Suddenly Shion grabs my hands.

“Then that’s a promise!” as she gives me a prize-winning smile.

"Oh! We should exchange contact info!" as she pulls out her phone.

I do the same. After a few seconds, I get a notification.

"Nice to meet you "> Al!"

Ah! She’s already calling me by my nick name!

Even though Mary rejecting me sucked, I’m glad I found a new friend!

This study abroad is gonna be great!

I lie on my bed and stare aimlessly into the ceiling. My place was still a mess, but I managed to tidy it up a bit today. I spend most of my time either at school or with my sister, so it doesn’t really bother me too much. If Yui was here she’d probably yell at me like there’s no tomorrow.

“How could you live like this big bro?”

But that was the troubling issue – tomorrow could be her last day. I grab the nearest pillow and bury my face in it. Part of me wants to cry – so very badly, but I can’t. The more I started to think those thoughts, the more they took me over.

I need to stop thinking about it or else-

*DING*

That sounded like my doorbell but I’m not sure. I haven’t been sleeping well recently so maybe my mind’s messin’ with me.

*DING*

Okay, that was definitely my doorbell. But who could that be at this hour of the night? I don’t exactly have any family or relatives that would suddenly show up out the blue like this; I doubt it was Akane either.

“Just go away.” I mumbled to myself.

I close my eyes and try to clear my mind, but the damn doorbell doesn’t stop ringing. My head feels like a hammer pounding on a nail.

“Fine!”

I sigh deeply, left with no other choice. This bothersome person wasn’t going to leave me alone. I get up from my bed and head towards the door, passing by the bathroom mirror to see my sullen face.

Wait…

I suddenly stop myself.

At this hour, could they be someone dangerous?

My suspicions arise. Why else would anyone be visiting me this late? No way there was a salesman at my door. Clearly this person has to know me – and I doubt it was anything good either.

There’s only one person who’s this annoying…

I reluctantly walk towards the door, and open it.

“Hellooooooooooooo big bro!”

It was Shion. Of course it was. She’s the most obnoxious person I know. Honestly, if it was literally anyone else, I would’ve been relieved. Shion was a hard person to read, with just her presence being able to throw anything into chaos.

I stare at her begrudgingly, until I decide to close the door in her face.

“W-Wait!” as she struggles to keep the door open. “J-Just hear me out for a sec!”

I reluctantly hold the door. Shion lets go and takes a deep breath, trying to regain whatever composure she had.

“Phew!” she pretends to wipe away sweat from her brow.

“I was in the neighborhood and so I wanted to stop by and see my big brother’s bachelor pad. I bet you’re sleeping with so many girls aren’t you? I thought you promised I would be your first time!” she playfully pouts.

I now know to never take anything she says seriously again. I end this annoying conversation by slamming the door in her face.

“W-Wait!”

Shion jams her hand! Anyone would have been screaming in pain, but she says nothing, not even a wince.

“I-I’m sorry. It’s just a force of habit.” she sighs.

“I-I even brought snacks…”

I hear a ruffling noise behind her, like a bag was shaken up and down.

“I just want to talk to you…just you and me.”

It seemed like this was the first time I’ve ever seen her act sincere.

“About what? Why should I believe you?”

She’s been nothing but trouble for me since the first time I’ve met her. She has zero proof but apparently dad’s final wish before he disappeared was for me to take care of her. Even if my father was a deadbeat, a part of me couldn’t refuse his words for some reason. Besides, the only reason why I’m even humoring her was that she’d tell Yui everything – and there’s no way I can let that happen. Preserving her happiness and normal everyday life is the most important thing to me.

“Well, you’re right. I’ve been…less than ideal for the most part. I have no right to say this to you…but I just wanted to talk. I wanted to talk to my brother. Isn’t that what siblings do?”

Maybe it was worth hearing what she had to say. However, I can’t shake this weird feeling of anxiety. Almost every bone in my body was telling me to not let this force of chaos into my house, but for some reason, my heart said otherwise. Was this just some unfound brotherly love hidden deep inside me? Was she really testing my sympathy?

This is a huge mistake…

I reluctantly open the door, but keep my guard up. I stay silent. Shion steps back, pouncing with trepidation. I don’t think she expected me to do that.

“R-Really?”

I nod half-heartedly.

She takes off her shoes and leaves them neatly by the door.

“I’m home.” I hear her faintly whisper to herself.

“I reckon you don’t get too many visitors?”

I ignore her comment and put one of the dining table chairs in front of her.

“Here.”

Shion turns the chair around, and sits. She reaches into her plastic bag, and randomly gets a small box. She rips open the top of the box, and tears open the plastic bag inside, revealing the stick-like “Packi” cookies.

“Want one?” she leans forward with a stick in her mouth dangerously close to my face. “They’re teh rimited raspberry flaver.” she mumbles.

I shake my head in disgust. Shion’s smile droops into a frown, and she eats the cookie.

“You’re so mean big bro!” she pouts.

I sigh heavily. I’m getting tired of her act already.

“Just get to the point already. Why are you here all of a sudden?” I say bluntly.

“Geez.” as she munches on more snacks. “Cutting out all the foreplay and getting to the main course aren’t we?”

I decide to head towards the kitchen counter and lean against it. I was a decent distance away from her just in case she tries something again.

“Fine.” she dusts off her hands.

“What do you think of me?” she asks.

“What do you mean?” I reply.

“Y’know…what do you think of me? Who am I to you?”

I can’t read her expression. I don’t feel any malice behind her question. It takes me a few moments to say something to her.

Is this some kind of sick test?

“You’re…my half-sister.”

That’s all Shion Masaki was at the end of the day. No matter what, it was an undeniable fact that I’m related to her.

“I see…” she averts her gaze. “That’s all I am to you, isn’t it? I shouldn't be surprised since you already have one right?”

Her tone made me think she sounded disappointed.

“So if I wasn’t your sister, what would you do if I showed up into your life?” she asks.

I stay silent.

“I don’t know.”

Shion lets out a small chuckle.

“Hey…” she speaks up. “Did Dad ever talk about my mom, y’know, the other woman?”

“No.” I responded instantly. “Why would he?”

The man never bothered to be home, so why would he even talk about stuff like that.

“I’m just curious, that’s all. He wouldn’t shut up about Hana-san.”

“He…what?” I blurted out.

It was nigh impossible for me to picture my father talking about my mother, let alone speak fondly of her.

“Yeah it’s true.” she confirms. “Dad would go on to me about how she made the best miso soup in the country.”

Even though I think my mother used those instant powder packets, it was still true. Her soup was the best thing on a cold winter morning.

“Hearing Dad talk about Hana-san like that kinda made me a little envious sometimes. I was too young to remember anything about my mom before she passed away, and so I thought maybe Dad said something to you.”

Shion sinks into her chair, her chest slumped against the back of the chair.

“He wouldn’t shut up about you either.” she lets out.

“W-What?” I gasp.

“As much as I hate to admit it, you were the one he loved the most. Well, you and your little sister. He kept saying how you loved Yui, and how we would get along-“

She cuts herself off at the last second.

Is that what she thought?

Hoping to take a closer look, I slowly stepped towards her, trying not to make a sound, but she speaks up:

“Sorry for mentioning that. I guess no one would really want to talk about this stuff. After all, my mom was the other woman right? And what right do I have to just walk into your life?” she musters up a faint smile.

“Is this your idea of small talk?” I say a bit sarcastically.

Shion raises her brow, confused.

I doubt anything she said was a lie, but I found it hard to believe my father was someone you could idolize.

“Why are you talking about him like that to me? Is this just to piss me off? Was that your plan all along?” as my voice got more and more aggressive.

“Sure there was maybe one or two moments in my childhood I remembered, but where was he during those important moments? What about Yui’s hospitalization? He’s never visited her once!” I clench my fist as my frustration builds up.

I refuse to believe he was a good man! I will never be like him.

Shion stands up from her chair, and walks closer towards me.

“You don’t know, do you? I don't think I ever told you.”

My expression gives it away. She turns back around away from me.

“For the longest time, I thought I was the one he wanted to take over for him. I spent years by his side with the Dominos. All that experience, all those things I did, I did it all for our dad. Maybe it was naïve of me to think that he saw me on the same level as you.” she sighs. “He practically handed you the job on a silver platter.”

Shion turns around.

“But none of that matters now. What matters is my plan.”

“Plan…?”

“I’m going to free dad from prison.” she says with determination. “An innocent man is in there for a crime he didn’t commit. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“W-What are you talking about? D-Dad’s dead.”

Suddenly I could feel my heart beating faster and faster. Chills ran up and down my spine. Shion lets out unsettling laughter that echoes throughout the house.

“No Daisuke, he’s alive. And we’re going to save him.”