In the Lobby - Aki

“Is he coming?” Kumi stopped her pacing and looked at her.

“He’s on his way.” Aki couldn’t help but worry. Bringing Ryo here could very well mean exposing him. But if he had been wiped, then they needed to figure out why. And who was behind it.

“We should have brought him with us in the first place.” Kumi returned to pacing the lobby.

“Calm down, Girls.” Her father was not much calmer. He may not be pacing, he had placed himself onto one of the chairs to avoid that, but his legs were visibly shaking.

Aki looked around the lobby. Despite passing through every workday for years, she had never really stopped and considered the way it looked. It was huge, but so was the building so that wasn’t surprising. The elevators and stairs could be seen from the waiting area and the long reception desk was sparkling.

It had looked the same in the future where he had been discovered. Aki’s cheek flushed when the image of him by the desk filled her memory. He had looked like crap, but he was still Ryo. He was still the person whose dreams had haunted her nights and whose arms felt like the safest place in the universe.

What if his file was removed? Would they be able to make him a new one? That would allow him to do anything. He wouldn’t need to stay with her anymore.

He had said that he would stay by her side for as long as she wanted him to, but with new freedom, would he still mean that?

And what would she do if he left?

It was one thing being without something you never knew. But seeing his dreams and knowing he chose to leave would be too painful. She couldn’t imagine ever recovering from that.

Aki shook her head. She had to trust him. And if it came to it, she would manage, somehow. There was no use thinking about this now.

Besides, he would be here soon, if she was still worried she could always talk to him about it.

One of the elevators pinged and all three of them turned towards it. The arrow pointed upward and the doors opened. There shouldn’t be anyone working in the lower floors today.

“Hiraoka, sir?” Eriko Yoshino stepped out of the elevator. “Shiraki and younger Hiraoka too? What are you doing here?” His eyes flew between them, he almost looked guilty. Like a child caught stealing cookies out of the jar.

“I could ask you the same, Yoshino.” Her father stood up. “Aren’t you supposed to be off today?”

“Ehm, yes.” His eyes jumped around the room. “I had some things I wanted to double check with the equipment.”

“In the basement?” The elevator arrow hadn’t went past Aki’s father.

The basement? Weren’t there where Ryo’s pod was. Could it be? No. There was a lot of old equipment in the basement, at least from what she had heard.

“Ehm, yes. I had an idea—” He turned to the front doors. “Chiko?”

Aki followed his eyes. There by the door was Ryo, along with another Eriko? But this one with green hair.

“Aki?” Ryo didn’t waste time and came up to her immediately. “What happened?” He looked at Yoshino.

Yoshino’s eyes widened and his hands started playing with one of the buttons on his shirt.

“Eriko? What’s going on?” The copy of him said. “Why is everyone being weird?”

“You shouldn’t be here, Chiko. This doesn’t concern you,” Yoshino said.

“Can everyone calm down?” Kumi drew everyone’s attention to herself. “Ryo, does this friend of yours know?”

“I’m pretty sure he overheard me and Hiro once, but we never spoke about it again so I don’t know.” Ryo shrugged.

“Know what?” The green haired version of Eriko seemed like the most confused person in the room.

“He doesn’t.” Eriko spoke up.

“I see…” Ryo looked at him for a moment and then turned back to Aki. “What’s happening?”

Was it really a good idea to tell him right here? No. The lobby was under surveillance, they had just agreed to meet up with him here to make sure he didn’t need to identify himself.

“Come with me, all of you.” Eriko sighed and pointed them to the elevator.

So Eriko knew about Ryo? But he hadn’t said anything. What was he hiding? Then again, the man never really said much. All she knew was that he had a little sister. She didn’t know much about him despite being on friendly terms.

Aki’s hand found it’s way to Ryo’s when they all gathered in the elevator. It was comforting and she wanted to make sure he didn’t up and leave as soon as he knew he was free.

“Maybe I should introduce myself, since you all seem to know each other.” The green haired man seemed like a chatty type, despite being talked over this whole time. “I’m Chiko Yoshino. Eriko’s twin. And I’m sure he has mentioned me about zero times.” He laughed.

Twins? That explained their similar appearance, though not really the gigantic difference in personality.

“And I can already guess who you all are. My brother can be quite talkative sometimes.” He chuckled. “I’m also good friends with Ryo here.”

Aki met Kumi’s eyes. It was clear that they both thought the same thing. Eriko, talkative? It really was hard to believe.

“Aki Hiraoka? You must be something really special to get Ryo to not only settle down, but to also manage to get the guy to not look like he’s been dead for five years.” Chiko grabbed her free hand, with both his hands, and shook it. “Though, Eriko already told me so. Not in the same way, so don’t worry.”

Aki felt Ryo grip her hand tighter before he leaned in close to her ear. “Don’t mind him. He becomes a babbling idiot when he’s uncomfortable.” He pulled her closer.

So he was also uncomfortable? She couldn’t see it, but somehow it felt easier. Eriko’s twin seemed kind, just like Eriko. She leaned in on Ryo’s arm, it really was comforting to have him here.

“And you must be Kumi Shiraki?” Chiko now turned to Kumi. “I’ve heard great things about you. Both from Eriko and from Hiro.”

Aki tensed up at the mention of Mukai. How was Kumi taking another reminder? She was already struggling with her feelings for him.

“Thank you. Chiko was it?” Kumi held it together really well. “I assume you’re part of the band?” How did she do it? Aki knew her best friend was probably dying for a calm moment without thinking about her person, but she led the subject to their band?

“Yes. I’m the drummer.” Chiko nodded but stopped when his eyes med Eriko’s. “I do feel kind of bad for pushing Ryo out though.”

“Chiko, shut up.” Eriko grabbed his brother’s arm as the elevator stopped on the lowest floor. “We’re here.”