Tracing Shadows

Morning crept in through the thick curtains of Jun's room, pale and soft. Akari sat at the edge of the bed, staring at the shopping bags of pain relief patches and clothes Jun had bought for her.

He didn't need to go to the trouble...

She took the pain patches and flexibly applied them on her sore shoulders and what she could reach of her aching back.

Her gaze went to the clothes Jun had gotten. Very plain and simple. A soft gray sweatshirt, denim jeans - nothing she would've chosen for herself. The size was not quite accurate - sleeves too long, jeans a too loose, but somehow, she made it work.

When Akari made her way into the living room, Jun was by the window, phone pressed to his ear, voice low but tight.

She couldn't make out every word, but his body language and tone told her enough. Something had changed.

When Jun finally hung up, he stayed there for a moment, gathering his thoughts.

"What happened?" Akari asked, taking a seat on the couch.

Jun turned toward her, his expression hard to read. "My contact got back to me. Your attacker finally talked."

"And?" Her breath catching in her throat.

"He confessed he was working for someone but doesn't know who. He only got orders through the burner phones. Said the offer came from a man in a nightclub called Lotus Room in Roppongi. He said he was promised a huge payout when the job was finished."

"Roppongi? Lotus Room?" Akari's head tilted.

Jun nodded, glancing at her. "Sound familiar?"

Akari shook her head. "Roppongi? I've only ever been there for shoots. I don't know anyone there."

Jun paused for a long moment, deep in thought. "I have a feeling this is deeper than we thought..."

"Why?"

"The Lotus Room isn't just any nightclub." His voice low. "They run underground gambling rings, launder money through fake businesses, and don't hesitate to send someone disappearing if it suits them. They're tricky - always a step ahead and never enough evidence to pin them down. They're ghosts to the law..."

"But what would they want with me...?" She paused. "And how would they know about my past?"

He sighed. "Guess I'll have to go investigate."

"No."

His eyes narrowed. "No?" 

Akari turned to face him, resolve tightening her features. "You've helped me enough. I can handle the rest."

Jun studied her in silence. There was courage in her voice but also a trace of doubt. "I understand you want to do this on your own, but this isn't something you can just handle."

"I don't want to just sit around and be protected. I want to know the truth behind all this."

His tone softened. "The truth won't mean much if you don't live to hear it."

"Are you saying I'm too weak to handle this?"

Jun shook his head. "No. Inexperienced. This is my strength, not yours. So, let me help you."

Akari paused, conflict surrounding her chest. "Then... I'll come with you."

"No." His voice came out sterner than he intended. "You're still recovering and it'll be dangerous."

"I should be there. This is my issue, not yours." She stood up, meeting his gaze, determined "And if you're so worried about danger, isn't it just as bad to leave me here alone? At least this way we can look out for each other."

Jun looked at her for a long moment, as if searching her - maybe for hesitation, maybe for a way to change her mind.

But Akari's gaze didn't waver, a quiet resolve settled in her chest. She wasn't sure if she could separate herself from her sister's shadow. But she knew one thing - she was done running from it. She needed to face whatever was haunting her from her past to move on.

Jun exhaled, surrendering to a single nod. "Fine... But you follow my lead. No going off on your own, no taking risks, and no acting like a hero."

A faint smile crept to her lips. "Understood."

He made his way to the front door and grabbed his coat. "We'll pick up some proper clothes for the club and then make our way there." His tone back to normal.

Then he grabbed another coat and held it out for Akari. "And Akari..."

She took the coat from his hand, meeting his sharp golden-brown eyes.

"Don't let your fear or your guilt be what leads you."

-

After about an hour of driving in silence, they arrived at a quiet townhouse in the leafy outskirts of the city. 

Jun rang the bell. Moments later, the door revealed a woman in her late thirties, her hair pulled back neatly in a bun, eyes sharp and assessing.

"Jun?" She said with a smile that didn't quite hide the practiced edge in her tone. "What brings you here?"

"Michi, I need a favor." Jun's voice quiet but firm.

Michi's face relaxed, a smirk making its way to her lips. "When do you not?"

Michi welcomed Jun and Akari into her house. 

Inside, the house was surprisingly ordinary - clean, family photos, children's toys hidden in the corners.

As Jun and Akari made their way in, Michi peaked out the window before closing the curtains shut. "So... What are you of all people doing with the nation's sweetheart?"

Jun shot a glance at Akari. "Is that who you are?"

Michi's eyes rolled, then turned to Akari. "Forgive him, he's too hopelessly old fashioned." She grabbed an album from her bookcase and handed it to Akari. "I hope this isn't too forward, but it's not every day a celebrity walks into your home. Can you sign this for me?"

Akari blinked, taken aback. A smile forced on her face as she slipped her mask back on, internally berating herself for letting her guard down. "Of course I can!" Her voice coated in sweetness. "Who should I make it out to?"

Jun quietly watched as Akari and Michi exchanged signed albums and pleasantries, the conversation dragging out longer than he would've preferred. 

"So." Michi exhaled in satisfaction. "What are you here for?"

Jun paused for a moment, making sure the ladies were done talking. "We need disguises to get into the Lotus Room."

"Why would you go there?" Michi's tone lowered.

"It's better the less you know. Don't want to get you too involved and put you or your family at risk." Jun said simply.

Michi nodded and made her way down the hallway. "Follow me then."

At the end of the hall were stairs that led to the basement. Racks of clothing stretched from floor to ceiling, shelves stacked with wigs of every color and length, tables covered with glasses, hats, contacts, makeup, and jewelry. It was a small boutique hidden inside the walls of an ordinary home.

Jun raised an eyebrow. "How you afford all this is beyond me..."

Michi grinned. "My life may be quieter now, but old habits die hard. Got to be ready at any time to disappear if needed."

Jun started scanning options. "We need something that doesn't draw attention but also doesn't make us predictable."

Michi nodded. 

For the next hour, Michi worked her magic. Akari emerged with a sharp, new look that masked her familiar soft elegance and hid her determining features of her hair and eyes. Jun, normally unassuming, now appeared older, grayer, and altogether different. Wigs, tinted contacts, careful wardrobe choices -  each detail meticulously calculated. 

Finally, Michi stepped back, arms crossed, humming in approval. "There's nothing that would make anyone question your real identities."

Akari caught her reflection in the mirror, and she barely recognized herself, even doubted if it really was her. Jun gave a small nod of satisfaction.

Michi's tone sharpened. "I don't know what you're planning but be careful. The syndicate of the Lotus Room are meticulous."

Jun nodded. "Thank you." He turned to Akari. "Are you still sure you want to go? You can stay with Michi, it's safe here."

Akari shook her head. "I don't want to involve more people than necessary. And I need to find the truth about all this. I need to know who's behind this..."

Jun studied her, questioning if this was the right choice. He didn't feel comfortable bringing her into unknown danger, but at the same time he didn't feel as though he had the right to go against her wishes, especially after he unapologetically inserted himself into her life. 

Jun let out a defeated breath. "You ready then?"

"Ready." Akari said, firm in her decision.