Toman's Black Cat

Y/n's POV

I'm so grateful Ran stopped. I didn't mean to start crying and I'm sure Izana will mock my weakness. I couldn't even wipe my face off because I was worried they'd consider it was me trying to fight back or something.

The brothers said very little as they led me to where I was supposed to be. I heard multiple doors open and close, before I was walked into a room and told to sit by Rindo. I did as I was told since there's nothing else I can do at this point.

I could feel my breathing become uneven as I started going over all the things that could happen to me, and what would happen to the ones I love. I suddenly felt a hand squeeze my shoulder. Not in a painful way, but one attempting to provide comfort.

"I hate to see a woman cry." Ran said it like a fact, not snarky like usual. "Especially when I know why she cries and I can't help thinking he isn't worth it." He let out an exasperated sigh. "I know he probably is to you though. So.." With that, he let go of my shoulder and I heard his fading steps. "Let me know when I can show you how much you mean to me by adding more to the flirting."

I couldn't help but let out a sad laugh.

Freakin liar.

"He's not lying." The voice of Rindo made me jump. I had thought he walked out already or at least went with his brother.

"How can you know that? I know he maybe cares a little and for that I'm grateful, but.." My words were interrupted by a tired sigh.

"Yeah. How could I possibly know when my older brother is telling the truth or not." The way he said it made it very clear how stupid he thought I was. I couldn't blame him though. He has a point.

"Yeah, sorry. You got me there." I said softly. "It's just been a long…" I trailed off for a moment before coming up with a fitting response. "It's been a long life."

"It might end up being a short one now. If it helps, the might isn't usually an option with him." With that, his footsteps faded out until I was sure I was alone.

They hadn't even taken off the head covering. My arms weren't tied, so I could take it off, but if I do that, I might end up making everyone's situation, including my own, much more dire.

I sat in darkness for what felt like forever. Every now and then I could have sworn I heard sounds of someone approaching, but it would stop and then there was nothing but silence again.

"What am I even doing? Of course, it wasn't him…I just walked freely into my own death…" I let the words tumble out of my mouth and could feel everything I had tried so hard to bury. Memories I didn't want to think of because if I did, I wouldn't be able to move ever again. It's too much. All of this.

I felt the sting of tears in the corners of my eyes when suddenly, I heard steps from right in front of me. Not even far away, like someone just appeared. Or rather, had been sitting and waiting. The sack over my head was ripped off and I started blinking as my eyes adjusted.

The sudden change felt like I was being blinded, but I knew immediately who I was with.

White hair. Dangling earring. Izana Kurokawa.