10. The Triangle Part 3 (Part Finale)

Author's note: In celebration of 10 official chapters (prologue is chapter 0), I want to thank all of you for all the effort you have placed in supporting me and my story's journey! This is not the final chapter but rather the final part to this mini arc! It has been a fun couple of months but we still have some time to go! I promise to continue on providing more to the fun ride we have achieved so far. As a reward for having stuck with me till this chapter, I plan on making this chapter much longer than usual! More plans and things are coming so please stay tuned and enjoy!

10 years ago

POV: Airi

The police sirens were what woke the 8 year old Airi initially from her deep slumber, her eyes fell on her ceiling as she lay on her bed and saw the red and blue flashes sweep in from her bedroom window and illuminate her room.

What got her out of her bed was the loud shouts and cries from her mother downstairs from their porch.

She bravely rolled out of her bed and sprinted out of her room, tumbling down the second floor and ran out the front door, just to be grabbed by her mom, who was visibly shaken and crying.

The scene before Airi was devastating.

She had caught a glimpse of her father sitting in the back of the police car that had just pulled up at their house, his solemn face broke her little heart.

"What are you doing to my dad? Leave him alone!" She yelled at the cops, who paid her no mind as they got into the car and were ready to depart.

She looked at her mom for any guidance, any explanation, but her mom just held her in place and hugged her while she continued sobbing. Her extremely dishevelled appearance gave the impression she had already spent her energy fighting the cops who paid her no heed and continued on their duty.

It seemed that there was nothing they could do.

However, her dad noticed her cries and yelled out to his daughter before the car pulled away.

"Airi! Know that you are not related to a criminal! Your dad has done nothing wrong! This is how we would be treated if we are looking for answers...but know that finding the truth in everything is important! I will be out soon I promise!"

With those final yells, her father was driven away, leaving behind a heartbroken mother and daughter.

That would be the last time she would ever hear her dad's voice.

Airi turned to her mother and screamed the question.

"Why?? Why did they take dad!? He has done nothing wrong!"

Her mom did not know, so she simply shook her head and carrying on crying.

Airi could not handle this anymore and ran off into the house, into her parent's room and leaped on her dad's side of the bed, wallowing in her sorrow as she shivered from the tears that fell from her face.

As the time ticked on and the pain subsided, she glanced up and then noticed something perched on the nightstand beside the bed 

It was her dad's deerstalker.

*****

Present Day

Day: 4

Lunch break

Airi fixed her hat as she just about got comfortable with her lunch, sitting on the school rooftop which overlooked the football field.

On her was a trusty drone remote and connected to it, was a drone that sat neatly besides her, the size of a sugar cube.

It was a little invention from the technology club from the school. Extremely useful, she had asked to borrow it on the way to the rooftop.

Her lunch time was cut down significantly by the kidnapping plot earlier, which was quite frankly annoying.

She realised that if she were to have lunch and then rush to the field, she would miss out most of the action, so she decided to eat her lunch and borrow the drone to kill two birds with one stone.

"Rumours have that the yaoi kid and some outcast had a meetup here so they might as well do it again today...hopefully this is related to the delinquent system because I am not ready to be having front row seats to a yaoi make out session...I am sure though if they do start making out I record it I can sell it to those interested..."

Airi loved commentating out loud what she thought, and this was a golden opportunity for her regardless, more truth seeking or a bag of money.

I will make you proud dad, just like you said, I am a truth seeker...I really do hope you don't mind the accidental yaoi if it happens now...

She released the drone to let it hover close to the field, listening in and recording whatever is going down.

*****

POV: Hiro

Day: 4

Lunch break

"I know this guy is an asshole but he is really pissing me off right now." Hiro grumbled as Kenji stood next to his boss, nodding in agreement.

"Yes sir, this Kenzo boy is unhinged and rude, I still don't understand why you decided to work with the man..."

Hiro placed a hand on Kenji's shoulder to reassure him.

"The boy Kenzo radiated negative aura, I am here to fix this faulty machine and tackle him head on before he destroys the narrative fabric of the journey."

Kenji nodded, pretending to understand his boss.

"You want to beat his ass?"

"Yes Kenji, in other words... screw him."

"Whoa whoa whoa, let us not use such colourful language in front of the miss here bro!"

And their nightmares had finally made an appearance as Kenzo waltzed onto where they stood on the field, dragging along with him was...

Hiro stopped in his tracks as his eyes laid upon the woman that was walking besides Kenzo.

Kenzo's colourful personality shifted out of focus and his attention all fell on her as his eyes were enchanted by her presence.

The annoying droning of the parrot Kenzo was replaced with imaginary love music as his brain suddenly combusted into a billion fireworks as his eyes was processing the beauty he had laid his eyes on.

Kenji suddenly noticed that his boss was in a stupor and decided to keep Kenzo's yapping occupied and directed elsewhere while his boss and the new girl had their moment.

He had been debriefed of the situation. He knew his boss was not actively searching for the girls, but there was an indication that if they ever came across any of his future partners, they were to be brought to the boss if possible to establish that connection.

So when Kenzo rudely told him during the break that he managed to rope in one of the boss's partners to meet him, he could not pass up the offer.

Despite his hate for the guy, he realises that Kenzo was infinitely resourceful. He has no idea how he pulled this off, but he should at least be grateful that his boss was finally getting some progress in possibly clearing his name.

"Kenzo want to arm wrestle? let us leave the boss and the gentle miss alone for a minute, give them time to talk."

"A conveniently mentioned side quest? Hell yea! let's go That Kid!"

Kenji cringed but indulged Kenzo as they walked off a few paces away, to give the two strangers some time to get adjusted to each other.

The girl had not said anything yet, but she had a very bewildered face on her, which Hiro could read and almost felt utterly exposed under her gaze.

Shit, she probably thinks I am a weirdo. How do I even tackle this? Also there goes my commitment to not follow love drama...This feels like I might mess up...but wait if I am the main character should I not have like infinite charisma? Dammit...this is why I avoided the names on my watches...I need to focus not be distracted..."

*****

POV: Naoko

"Holy shit he is hot..."

Naoko was not sure what to expect when Kenzo told her that he could show that there was a person with her name on his watch.

She thought it must have been some mistake as hers had no name on it...but she needed to see this person.

This could solve the current house drama she was facing at home, and can finally put her parents' crying to silence.

She agreed to meet during lunch time, and have a talk to understand the situation better.

Well now she feels like she was just hit with the jackpot because who was this man?!

His lush hair that had a wonderful mix of colours, his pieced ears, his soft yet mature look. Wait is that a golden tooth in his mouth?! 

This guy looked like he walked out of a shoujo manga.

Ok ok...act normal...god he is not saying anything, it is probably because he thinks I seem stupid...

She decided to take the first step to speak since he was apparently still staring at her.

 "Hey...who are you?" she asked, her voice came out as ice cold.

Oh shit, I forgot to turn of my kuudere act from earlier! Now it just seems like I'm super disinterested in him! Maybe he didn't notice!

Her eyes saw him instantly shift from a look of what seemed to be of curiosity, to a look of horror.

 Goddammit....

"Was that first nerves or are you that annoyed to see me?" He chuckled, morphing from the look of horror to have a laid back expression, his hands rubbing the back of his head and avoiding her gaze.

Wait, he basically is giving me a second chance...and he is avoiding eye contact? Maybe he thinks of me the same way I do! Thank you lover boy for being smart!

"Well..." she now adjusted her voice to a more welcoming one "...really sorry for that initial impression, I was having a bad day but honestly, finding the one I am supposed to be paired off with has definitely been the bright highlight of my day!"

Naoko actually did feel this. Her voice was in a more cheerful mood and the boy nodded at her response and gave her a quick grin, which made her melt internally.

"You appearing here is a good omen for me too, I don't know how much you know of my situation but my name is Hiro and..."

"Don't worry! Kenzo filled me in on the way about your situation, and your name of course. I totally understand if I am not the person you might be looking for or the suitable partner since you have two people but I don't mind! Most people think having a problem with your watch makes you instantly weird but I do not believe that! In fact..."

She showed her watch to Hiro who's eyes widened, seeing that she had no name attached to hers.

*****

Airi POV

"Holy shit this sweet ass drama!" Airi was munching on her sandwich as her drone was relaying back to her the scene that was currently playing out in the middle of the football field.

This was apparently not getting her any closer to finding the delinquent system but this was the most fun she had today, though getting kidnapped and tied up is definitely not much of a high bar to surpass in terms of entertainment

Well silver lining is that now I know I am not keen on bondage, would have to let my partner know...

Her voice trailed off as the reality of her situation sunk in.

There was someone in particular she was investigating that happened to be part of the delinquent system itself. She did not get much time so far to get into details or get much from the person or his friends, as they do actually a good job at maintaining their secrecy. 

The whole situation of her watch and this search was messed up.

Well it was not like those on the field where she had two names, or none. She was regular and had the one.

It was the one though that bothered her. She did her research and was in shock when she found out who. 

She thought it must be some play by the government and wanted to just ignore it completely, it was not like she could ever trust them regardless.

Well especially after what they did to her father, who all he was doing was searching the truth.

"The two lovebirds are currently exchanging shocked expressions and asking about each other's backgrounds, pretty much a date at this point..." Airi narrated, taking another bite as she observed the feed being relayed to her watch, her other hand on the drone remote and making it hover at a safe distance. 

A sound of approaching footsteps signalled that she was not alone anymore, quickly, she swerved around to meet the newcomer who has now entered the rooftop alongside her.

"The hell you doing up here?!" growled the newcomer, his black streaked dyed hair over his white and angry attitude screamed delinquent.

"I could ask you the same question punk!" Airi shot back as she made a move to cover up her watch and tuck the remote into a pocket, so that the newcomer has zero idea what she is up to. 

"You here to harass me?" asked Airi

"Nah...this shit is my spot so I want you to either leave..."

"Or what dumbass? You going to throw hands?"

"..."

The boy just grunted but showed no further aggression as he walked away from Airi, found a spot away from her and then sat, eating his lunch as he grumbled under his breath.

That dyed hair looks new, in fact it could have been done this morning. He also does not seem like a delinquent as he tried to appear tough but did not apparently want to push back more....could be a guy who just got his stuff rocked and is coping through this angry personality...Not that is any of my business

Airi then decided to let him be as she focused back on the field.

*****

 POV: Kenzo

Kenzo's arm was goddamn sore, and it was with That Kid beating the arm wrestle 5 times in a row.

He understood why That Kid suggested it, it was to give Naoko and Hiro time to get used to each other and start a flow, see if they work out.

All is well and all, but this just feels like payback from all the time he was harassed by Kenzo.

"Are you done feeling good about yourself?"

That Kid just smirked after winning the 6th time.

"It is making me feel a little better" That Kid replied.

"Screw you"

"Isn't that like you and your best friend's thing? the yaoi couple?"

"You are one to talk That Kid, you literally call Hiro sir like a bitch..."

A glare from That Kid but Kenzo continued "but yes, Daiki...I haven't been able to talk to that guy for a while...he has been busy with his partner but apparently he has been radio silence since last night, hope he is alright..."

That Kid, despite disliking Kenzo, offered a sympathetic gaze and responded with "stuff happens, I am sure if he is in trouble he will talk to you, like Hiro does for me."

Kenzo acknowledged what That Kid said by nodding in his direction before his eyes fell on Naoko and Hiro.

They both looked insanely happy right now in the moment, despite them having their convictions or dreams or whatever, they are still young adults, and fleeting emotions like crushes can totally change the person's mood for the better.

Kenzo was not sure if he was ever going to get that.

He was not sure if Naoko was going to sign up to the club. He was not sure if any of Hiro's delinquent members would even bother to join, since they already are all most probably in clubs.

Kenzo does act like he knows a lot, but the truth is, he does this to make the world feel better to him. It was always best to feel like everything is ok when things are not ok.

His uncle Jack's words resonated in his head once again, but he knew that this club was what he needed.

If he has no person his age who can validate that he is someone that is attractive, that can find love like most people can, then he would feel like he was worthless.

He knows love is not the answer to everything, he knows this, and yet he still as a young adult he felt the need of this validation.

It was stupid and immature, but it was a strong feeling he could not ignore.

The club was that temporary illusion and solution to quell his feelings, so that he could go back to feeling normal again if at least for a while.

He saw Naoko and Hiro showing their watches to each other but could not see and make out what they were talking about.

Probably Naoko showing that she also had his name on hers or something...

Kenzo actually not saying a peep and blankly staring at Hiro and Naoko attracted That Kid's attention.

"Listen...while you may be a nutcase and a total depraved person, you also do things for the sake of others and look out for the people you seem to care about. I am sure whatever you are going through will pass, with every hard times comes ease..."

Kenzo actually listened to what That Kid had to say, before nodding and responding,

"I do realise I have been a jerk and all, but it has been pretty fun to see you push back and become more confident in your abilities, having that drive. Look at you now, part of the karate club..."

That Kid did suddenly remember he was still wearing his gi, and gave out a chuckle.

"Yea, ever since our fights since the summer, think that NPC comment burnt a bit. It felt like I had to do something about myself and start being a part of school more, it is why I joined the karate club. I guess maybe in your twisted head this felt like you were somehow going to help me...which I guess is just your weird trait and not gonna lie, it did help a bit."

Kenzo did not comment but just offered a smile before continuing, "truth is, I do enjoy the bullshit fights we do, so if I can still piss you off and we get to keep pushing ourselves, I would not mind at all. Thanks for trying to help me out anyways That Kid."

That Kid elbowed Kenzo who wheezed as he held his stomach from the impact, however he let out a little laugh from his own insistence on calling him that nickname.

"Well after this, you should check on your friend Daiki, good luck with your club."

With that That Kid walked off and Kenzo slowly recovered from the elbow, trying to normalise his breathing again before he heard the ringing of the lunch bell signalling the end of the break.

He was getting himself up and dusting his uniform from sitting on the grass when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

He turned around to see Naoko behind him, her face now beaming and a complete contrast from her stoic expression earlier in the morning.

"Hey lover girl! How did it go?" He asked, switching to a cheerful mood.

Naoko responded with "Well as you probably saw it went well, Hiro and I are going to have further talks but he doesn't want to jump to conclusions before seeing the other person on his watch. I don't mind at all since I think even if he sees the other person, I feel like we might have something real between us. Anyways he walked off as you were apparently lying on the floor but he did tell me to tell you this..."

Kenzo was all ears as she continued, "...to thank you for bringing me to him and that you can hear more of the details when we meet up for the next club meeting, since I am officially joining." 

Now it was Kenzo's time to smile.

"You are joining?" He asked, his mind reeling from the fact he had gotten another member.

Naoko smirked in his direction as she said "Hiro convinced me to, but I can see the good you are tying to do, would be no harm to give it a shot anyways..."

Kenzo breathed a small sigh of relief as he nodded happily in her direction. It seems like despite the odd animosity he had developed between That Kid and Hiro, they still respected him enough.

That did felt good, for a moment, it felt to Kenzo that he was not alone with only one friend to rely on, even if the others were temporary allies.

"Thanks a lot Naoko, catch you later then member!"

She giggled at his enthusiasm and started to walk back to class, waving him goodbye for now.

*****

"Well that concludes the love drama episode 2 or whatever..." Airi said as she starts to wrap things up.

She was disappointed from not getting much useful information, but what she saw was seemingly contradicting her previous research. Seeing the people there acting like normal and kind students did not match up with the profile she had of the one person.

A grunt from behind her shook her as she turned around, before realising it was just the edgy kid she talked to earlier.

"Damn I thought you went back to class, you alright bro?" asked Airi.

"I am not your bro, woman!" the guy snarled at her before getting up and rushing his way off the rooftop, leaving her there alone.

Yeah he has issues...

Airi then looked down on her watch. The name of her future partner was there, but there was a reason she did not approach the person yet. So far she has been trying to rely on secondary sources to understand and create a profile on the person. Now all that she had left was to interview and investigate the person herself.

It was finally time for her to go and meet this person.

She was certain this guy had her name on his watch too, but she knew that this was not ever going to work out.

Her person was a delinquent.

Her person was Hiro.