Anonymous Tip

With the help of the police, Akari managed to escape the chaotic crowd and bring Jun to the hospital where both of their injuries were treated.

Jun's condition stabilized after initial treatment, but the police weren't willing to take any more chances. Once Jun was cleared for transport, they quietly moved to a more secluded hospital to continue treatment and recovery. 

They were accompanied by two officers for protection who stayed with them everywhere they went - a silent reminder that Hana's people were still out there and that their safety was not guaranteed.

Inside the quiet private room, the tension finally began to ease. Jun rested, bandaged and medicated but breathing steadily. Akari lay in her own bed with her own injuries treated. She was worn out from the day, but a small sense of relief settled in her chest when she looked at Jun and saw his color now normal and his face not strained with pain like before.

-

The days in the hospital went by slowly but not stress free. Repeated police statements, the ongoing investigation, the media refusing to settle around Akari's criminal scandal, and now controversy about who Jun is. It was all exhausting.

Akari sighed as she scrolled through comments on her phone:

Who is that man?

Do you think they're lovers?

Did Akari save her boyfriend?

Lovers...? Boyfriend...? The words teased Akari as she read people's theories online. It's not like that...

Jun looked up from his book, noticing Akari had stopped reading her book and turned to reading comments. "What is it?"

Akari put her phone down. "Just some interesting theories people come up with..."

Jun raised an eyebrow. "Such as?"

Akari hesitated as she felt warmth rise in her cheeks. "Such as that we're dating or something..."

Jun blinked, then glanced away to not let himself get flustered. "Oh. Well that's flattering."

"Flattering?"

A hint of a smile tugged at Jun's lips. "Anyone would be lucky to date you..."

Akari's heart skipped a beat. "W-what are you talking about? You shouldn't say things like that..."

He titled his head, teasing but gentle. "Why? Is it that bad?"

"What?"

"Is the idea of us dating that bad?" His voice low as if daring her to answer.

Akari's voice got caught in her throat as she felt her cheeks heat up more. "Huh?"

A knock at the door interrupted the moment. A nurse and one of the police officers on guard entered. 

"It's time to redress your wound, sir." The nurse said.

Jun glanced at Akari, his teasing smile turned gentle. This isn't the right time anyway...

-

A week had gone by since the incident at Hana's Flower Shop but there had been no updates. It was silent. Too silent. What could Hana possibly be planning?

Jun was still recovering, reading quietly in the hospital bed while Akari finally managed to let herself rest properly.

Late that night, Jun's phone buzzed lightly on the bedside table. Jun answered, eyes narrowing as he listened to the caller. The conversation was short, just a few words before he hung up.

The following morning, the quiet was broken by a soft knock. A tall dark haired young man stepped into the room. "Morning Jun, how you holding up?"

Jun straightened slightly in bed. "I've been better." He turned to Akari after noticing her confused expression. "This is Kota. We used to work together before I quit."

Kota approached Akari with a warm smile. He gently took her hand and placed a polite peck on the back of it. "It's an honor to finally meet you. I've heard a great deal about you from Jun and Michi."

Akari blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected gesture. "Oh... Nice to meet you..." 

Jun's jaw tightened as he remembered Kota's overly friendly personality, which had been easy to tolerate before, but now it felt almost invasive.

"Can you give us a few minutes?" Jun said to Akari, his tone gentle but firm.

Akari nodded as she pulled her hand back and stepped out of the room.

-

"You don't have to glare you know." Kota teased. 

"I'm not glaring."

Kota raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "Yeah sure..." He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope. "This is what I mentioned last night. Thought it'd be best if you handle it."

Jun took it, eyes narrowing as he read the contents. "Thanks. I'll take care of this."

Kota nodded, a teasing smirk threatening his lips. "Allow me to be the first to congratulate you. You worked hard to keep her safe."

"Was just doing my job." Jun simply said.

"Your job huh?" Kota tilted his head. "Is that why you've been so... considerate lately?"

Jun raised an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Kota chuckled softly. "Oh nothing." He made his way to the door, then paused, voice carrying a faint tease. "She's pretty you know. Totally my type."

Jun's grip on the envelope tightened unconsciously. "Is that so...?"

Kota grinned with confidence, clearly enjoying Jun's reaction. "Relax. I won't steal your girl."

"It's not like that."

"Oh really? Then you don't mind if I make a move?" Kota played as he leaned against the door.

Jun's eyes narrowed. "I do mind."

Kota's smile widened with satisfaction. "That's all I needed to hear. Good luck my friend." He opened the door. "Oh and do you mind not just calling me for work stuff. Would be nice if we got a drink, like old times."

"I'll think about it."

Kota laughed lightly as he left the room, gesturing at Akari that she could go back in.

-

Akari came back into the room. "Is everything okay?"

Jun hid the envelope in his book, keeping it out of sight. "Yeah. Hopefully."

"Hopefully?"

Jun gave a small smile. "You'll find out soon."

Akari could tell Jun didn't have more to say about it, so she didn't press further.

-

The next morning, Jun's phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen. "Akari." He turned towards the TV and switched it on.

Akari turned her attention to the morning news that played in front of her:

"In a large scale coordinated operation, multiple locations associated with the Hanakai Network's syndicate were raided. Several members have been arrested. Investigations into affiliated businesses have resulted in charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and possession and distribution of illegal substances - including the Lotus Room nightclub, Daisy Law, and Lily's Suites Hotel. Authorities say this marks a major blow to organized criminal activity in the area."

Akari stiffened. "What does this mean...?"

"The Hanakai Network is falling apart. It's not over yet, but it won't be much longer. With the damage that has been done, it'll be difficult for them to recover." Jun calmly explained.

Disbelief washed over Akari. "H-how did this happen? Just the other day there was no update."

"Anonymous tip." Jun simply said. "Or that's the statement they'll use unless you say otherwise."

"What?"

Jun took the envelope out from his book and handed it to Akari. "This was left for you."

Akari hesitantly took the envelope, immediately noticing who it was addressed to:

Haruka

"I did read it to make sure it wasn't anything dangerous, but it's up to you to decide what you want to do." Jun added. "Open it only if you want to but you don't have to."

Akari took a deep breath and carefully opened the envelope. Her hands trembled as she read over the letter inside:

Haruka,

I have made many mistakes in my life, none of which I can fix. I am not the person I thought I was and I am ashamed for it. I do not ask for forgiveness as I do not forgive myself either. I know there's nothing I can say or do to make up for the pain I have inflicted, but maybe this will at least allow you to live your life.

Your father, Yuta.

Akari's throat felt dry. "W-where did you get this?"

"Your father turned himself in for illegal gambling and for working with the syndicate. He's the reason the police were able to raid the syndicate and arrest so many members. He brought in evidence and will serve as a witness in the case." Jun explained gently. "Kota brought the letter yesterday thinking it would be better for me to tell you rather than someone at the station."

Akari sank onto the edge of the bed. "I don't know what to think right now..."

Jun placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure it's a lot to process. But I'm here for you. You're not alone."

Akari stared at the letter in her hands, voice unsteady. "What does all of this mean...?"

Jun leaned in closer, voice soft and reassuring. "It means you're going to be safe."