Leaving

CHAPTER 14 V1 
Darkness closed in on Yumei the moment the liquid entered her system. A wave of dizziness washed over her, stealing her strength, blurring her vision. 

"What did… you do…" she managed to gasp before collapsing into unconsciousness.

Tadashi stared down at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable. He scooped her up with one arm, not really caring about how he handled her.

He pressed a hidden button concealed beneath a loose floorboard, revealing a small, concealed compartment. Inside, a narrow bed was tucked neatly away, almost as if it were expecting a guest. He gently laid her down on the secret bed.

Next to the bed, he retrieved a small, almost dainty pistol, tucking it into the waistband of his ill-fitting suit. Extra bullets were swiftly and silently stuffed into the beanie he was about to put on. With practiced efficiency, he closed the secret floor, concealing the hidden room once more.

He moved to another chest, unlocking it with a practiced flick of his wrist. Inside, a wig and a realistic mask awaited him. Within seconds, Tadashi transformed himself, shedding his slightly dishevelled appearance in favor of a completely different persona. 

The beanie completed the disguise, concealing any remaining traces of his true identity. He grabbed an envelope and tucked it into his coat then he lit a cigarette, the tiny flame briefly illuminating his now-masked face, the smoke curling around his head.  

The light was fading fast, the sun sinking below the horizon, casting long shadows across the warehouse floor. Despite the growing darkness, he made sure the door remained securely barricaded.  

Then, with a silent grace that belied his earlier rough-and-tumble demeanor, Tadashi climbed up to the broken skylight, easily navigating the precarious structure.  
He emerged onto the rooftop, the chilly evening air whipping around him, the cigarette still dangling from his lips. 

 With a practiced roll, he broke his fall as he jumped from the roof to the ground, landing silently.

He started walking towards town, the faint glow of streetlights guiding his path, the smoke from his cigarette a fleeting wisp against the darkening sky. 

 He blended effortlessly into the shadows, already fading into the forest around him leaving the warehouse, and his unconscious prisoner behind.

To be Continued...