❝ THE GLIMPSE OF THE END ❞

ch. 60

They say everything that was done in haste will go to waste.

Ever since he saw a glimpse of her, everything felt like reverting from the start.

Last week, Friday night, the same exact night where he saw her again. No, he couldn't be mistaken. It was really her.

He's at his firm's office, sitting in his office while gazing outside the glass window from the fifty-seventh floor.

"Sir Sano," one of his employees called.

Expecting to sign a fresh set of documents on his desk, Mikey turned in his chair and tapped his desk.

"Koko, just place them," Mikey told in almost a whisper.

"How's your medication?" Koko was actually about to ask this. Not bombard Mikey with tons of paperwork again.

Mikey just nodded and rubbed his eyes as he yawned. "It's alright."

"Alright? I've heard from the doctors that you've been skipping your medicines." Koko said.

"Then I'll take one today. You can go now, thank you." Mikey simply said.

"Wait. Have you told Kakucho about the new partnership?"

"Yeah."

"Have you informed Haru and Mitsuya, too? They're the representatives... If I haven't mentioned." Mikey said.

"Yes, I have informed them."

"Good. May I also have the company's name we'll meet on Tuesday?" Mikey said.

It's a business that will cooperate with them. To continue its expansion and augmentation, another company will form an association. In conclusion, a partnership will be in progress.

But none of them knew what company will they be meeting.

"The employees haven't made a report about that yet," Koko said.

"How come?"

Koko hesitantly shrugged, then just sighed. "I advise you to approach them personally."

"...Just fire them," Mikey remarked, turning his focus back to the paperwork without caring.

"Fire them?" Koko's brows furrowed.

"Knowing our partner companies' backgrounds before meeting them is compulsory. It's the first priority. They should know it."

"Well, even if we don't have a complete all-out report of their companies' background... I know some small information about them." Koko said.

"What?" Mikey asked.

Koko paused once more. He was aware of the fact that ever since joining the organization they were in, he had served as Mikey's right-hand man. Koko can't simply get rid of his apprehension whenever Mikey makes decisions.

Mikey's decisions are always in... haste.

"Their president is Ms. Erianne Dhiore, and the heiress, a General Manager is..." Koko hesitated to continue.

"...(Y/N) (L/N)."

Mikey's eyes slightly widened as he froze for a moment. He knew it was you last Friday. That's why he couldn't be settled every time he thinks about the partnership.

"The decision will be up to you if we'll proceed with this meeting with them," Koko said.

Mikey hesitated and was about to sign the paper. He looked at Koko before dropping his words that even he himself couldn't say.

After everything that transpired throughout those years, can he bear to see you again?

"...Just cancel it."

"Madame, the company declined the offer."

Willbert said as he entered your office. You raised your head in surprise, in a surprise of the company declining your offer.

You sternly stated-- "Our company has never been turned down, and we are the top-running business in this city," yet while you were dealing with the paperwork, you simply groaned and shook your head.

"I know, madame... but they really declined it."

"I spent my whole night studying the background of their company just for them declining it? They could've told it earlier." You said in frustration.

"We can always send them a second proposal letter, or even a third... You know, third time's a charm." Willbert said, trying to lighten up your mood.

Yeah, you're really like Eri 2.0. Easily getting frustrated when there's something wrong in the company.

"Oh, lord... Imagine being a secretary of two (L/N)s..." Willbert sighed.

"What?" You raised a brow.

"Ah, no. Nothing, madame. Haha..."

"Anyway, what revenue will we receive if we get to have a partnership with them?"

"Their business can provide more branch installations in addition to... even a 70% stake goes to us. It's a win-win. We can make millions... even a billion in less than a year." Willbert said.

"Continue the proposal letter until they accept the offer." You said. "Gosh, what's with that company?" 

"Also, as I was doing my background research of their company last night. I saw their president's name." You added, making Willbert turn his head to you.

"H-huh?"

"Jiro," you blurted out. "That's the name of their company's president, right?"

Willbert considered for a moment, then gradually nodded. "Yes."

"Well, if that's the case, then why my mother and you have been keeping it to me like a giant secret? Why not just give me the name earlier so that my research would be easier."

Willbert kept quiet as he lowered his head. "If only you know."

"Sorry for my tone and sudden lashing outs," you said as you noticed Willbert being silent.

"Understood, madame. Your medications are working." Willbert joked.

You just lightly laughed and shook your head. "Whatever. Just send me an update if they have responded."

"Noted," Willbert said as he left your office.

You soon left the office after a long, exhausting day and headed home to rest. You continued to check your email as you got to bed to see whether Willbert or the company had answered.

You pondered and couldn't help but smile at the prospect, "If we get to have a share with them, and maybe force alliance, we'll lead more business outside the country."

If you achieved that, you can't wait to tell your mother Eri.

The next day was like any other normal day as you entered the company, being greeted by the employees as you proceeded inside your office.

"Uhh, where's Mr. Willbert?" You asked one of the workers inside your office who made your coffee.

"He's at his office, madame. Shall I call him?"

"Yes, please. Thank you." You replied, then the worker left the office, leaving you alone as you continued to work.

You've been checking the email too often now, really wanting them to accept the offer, just for all the benefits for the company.

You raised your head as you heard a knock at your door.

"Ms. (L/N)? You called?" Willbert said as he entered your office.

"Yes, uhm, I'm just going to ask about the response from that company—"

"No response. I just checked the email three minutes ago since I know you called me in your office to ask about that." Willbert straightforwardly said.

"Ah... well," you just blinked and intertwined your fingers together on the desk. "Alright."

"Update me tomorrow," you said, and you haven't noticed that you've been saying that for the past few days.

Another day has passed...

"Any updates?" You asked Willbert.

"No response as of this moment."

Another day... has passed.

"Updates?"

"No response from their company."

And tomorrow came...

"Have they gave any responses?"

"No... Not even a single letter from the email."

And more days came...

You sighed... fine, you know yourself that this is the final time you're going to ask this, and you'll stop emailing them with offers and waiting.

"Willbert, any updates?"

"...No."

Deeply sighing to yourself, you just nodded, finally accepting. "Alright. Don't wait for their emails anymore. Let's move on with the next company."

"Sure, madame."

"Mom, I'm sorry, I couldn't convince that large company to continue the partnership."

You said on your phone while you're currently in your room, and Eri is out of town for business matters, so it's you who's handling the company for now.

Eri kept silent for a moment, and your brows furrowed as you looked at your phone screen to check if the call has ended.

"Mom? Are you still there?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm still here," Eri mumbled, and her tone is monotonous.

"Is everything alright there? I should tell Secretary Willbert to escort you there. I can handle the company here." You said, sounding worried.

"No, it's fine. I've already spoken to the company you've been mentioning for the past few days, too." Eri said.

"Really?" Your eyes shone up. "I'll surely give you half of my shares when we continue the partnership, but of course, I need to give an outlook to their employees first. We can't just trust the human resources team sometimes."

Eri really had no energy left ever since that day you asked her about your past. She felt guilty, a sudden wave of weariness, and a negligent feeling for her daughter.

The words you've said to Eri before have already been marked in her head.

"I'm not a teen anymore. I'm an adult."

"After all these years, was I too harsh on her?" Eri thought, too lost in the clouds of thoughts in her mind.

"Mom?" You called as she was quiet on the phone again. "She must be tired there."

"Did Manjiro Sano change as he promised before, enabling him to reconcile with (Y/N) once again even if she doesn't remember him anymore, but only as business partners?" Eri's thoughts only got deeper and deeper.

"Mom, are sure that you're okay? I'll call—"

"The contract has been terminated. You have no right to stay near my daughter anymore." The words Eri said ten years ago.

"Oh, but here I am, letting him see my daughter again, but for the last time... I'll give him a chance to see her again after he leaves the country."

"Mom, are you okay?" You worriedly asked, but what Eri said made your heart leap in surprise.

"Their company has accepted the offer. Meet with the executives tomorrow."

"Here, ma'am?"

Willbert asked you as he drove to the company where you'll be meeting them.

"Yes, I'll just call you when the meeting is done. Thank you, Secretary Willbert." You said as you got off the car.

You quickly took your documents out as you reached the concierge of the building, inquiring at the counter.

"Ms. (L/N) (Y/N) from Dias Corporation, I will be meeting with... Mr. Jiro." You said, almost sounding like a question.

"Ah, of course. Please proceed this way. You will be accompanied by the guards beside the elevator, ma'am."

"Thank you."

"Jiro, only?" Your brows furrowed, but then soon not taking mind of it. "I mean, most businessmen around the world don't like disclosing their last names in public."

As you got to the floor, you stroll down the corridor to finally enter the meeting room.

Mikey was seated inside the room next to the long conference table in a dimly lit area so the projector in front can be seen. Kakucho, Koko, Haru, Mitsuya, and other members of their staff are seated next to him.

"Is the representative from the other company here yet?" Mitsuya asked.

"Not yet. Don't reprimand him. We still have a minute left before ten o'clock strikes." Haru replied.

"'Him'? Do you know who's the representative?" Mitsuya's ears perked.

"Ah, no, but the majority of our business sector is made up of men. So maybe I was just accustomed to it, I don't know." Haru said, shrugging.

As if on cue, the meeting door opened, showing a familiar figure.

Your eyes scanned the room... meeting unfamiliar faces.

"Thank you for waiting," you said as you bowed. "Just came in time."

Mikey was too preoccupied with his laptop and files, but as soon as he heard the familiar voice ring in his ears, his stomach almost dropped in shock.

Even if he's expecting this, it still never fails to surprise him.

"Thank you for accepting the proposal letter from Dias Corporation, Mr. Jiro." You said as you sat on the seat while placing your laptop and binder on the table.

All for the company. You just need to fulfill your role of being an heir, for your mother and legacy.

You tried to check the unfamiliar faces to see who's the Jiro among them.

You felt the familiar random pain in your head once again, but you tried to ignore it as the meeting started.

Those vivid memories and visions that depict in Mikey's head can't be helped as he hears your voice once again.

Why is it so impossible to erase those?

Mikey is just one seat apart from you as he's seated at the end.

You two just nodded and shook hands like normal acquaintances in business.

You then had a talk with the other employees as you discussed your proposal, and you were too busy to notice your environment.

Mikey tried to compose himself from that heaving feeling building up in his chest. He cannot stop it. He cannot remove the heavy boulder in his chest.

He can't believe it's you who's sitting in the same exact room, at the same exact table.

But he can't look at you in the same way as before anymore.

He can never, again.

As if he didn't even have the slightest bit of affection for her.

As if he didn't try to fix himself in those years because of her.

As if he didn't try to make effort.

As if he tried to make himself stable.

As if he didn't love her.

He can never look in her eyes again.

Reconciling with her again, as business partners.

"I thought she left the city, but when I saw her again, I knew right there and then that Eri has been protecting (Y/N) away from me." Mikey's deep thoughts can never be pestered.

Those words that Eri dropped to him ten years ago broke him, so much so that he still hears those words before going to sleep at night.

He hears those words whenever he's eating alone at the table.

He kept on saying to himself that he has no remorse, but he was slowly eating his words.

The horrid past will forever haunt him, but he tries to disregard it, thinking that he deserves it all anyway.

"Mr. Jiro?" His thoughts were disturbed by Kakucho calling him by his alias since people from outside the company are present in the room.

"So, are you interested in investing in this department instead?" They asked, and honestly, Mikey has no idea what were they just talking about.

"If it benefits the Dias Corporation, then go," Mikey said, making you look at him and you gave him a small thanks.

He hopes that this little help will contribute to fix all those problems he did to you, but whatever he does, he felt like it can really never be fixed.

If you remember him again, will you ever forgive him?

He knows that you'll never.

Mikey had this scintilla of hope where you can regain your memories back.

But he's scared of the outcome.

He's done so much, and he doesn't want to bother you in your life again.

"We're planning to build more infrastructures in this area..." He's hearing the words that the employees are discussing, yet nothing is registering in his mind.

"In what area? What city is that?" You asked as you listed it down in your notes.

"It's a rural area, but more of a province one. It was formally a village back in the '80s."

"'80s..." You thought.

"Yes, our company, and also your company will be planning to install more branches in non-urban places, such as that place."

You just nodded. You were right. It's indeed a great experience to work with these people. Succinct and in-depth discussions. Their first impression instantly amazed you.

"Mr. Jiro is the one who implemented this plan. He said he wanted to expand our business in that one place that was a village before."

You looked at Mikey... or you know as "Jiro". "Mr. Jiro, why do you want to install a branch in such a secluded place like that? A village from the '80s... won't that be a little, scary? I mean, not in terms of ghosts, mind you, but who knows what might be lurking there. Plus, the people are like a kilometer away from that area."

Mikey took in your information. "We don't have any competitors in that place, since as you say, it's 'secluded', and we can definitely raise our price since it's a remote area. No predatory pricing needed."

"Hmm... Well then, If ever Ms. Dhiore will allow this, I'll surely inform you. I can also volunteer to visit that area. I want to make sure that our employees will be safe working there." You said.

"Then it's settled," Mikey said.

"Glad to be working with you, Mr. Jiro." You said, shaking hands with him as everyone stood up, and the meeting ends.

Mikey nodded, then immediately averted his hand away after you let go of his hand. He cleared his throat as he gave you a nod and left the room.

As much as possible, he'll try to avoid you now.

He can never let himself stay closer to you.

He might do the same thing again he was doing before.

He doesn't want history to repeat once again.

It's for the better.

But for once, (Y/N) and Mikey will visit the "Village Callista" for the last time, where they first met in childhood.

And he hoped... even just a little that you'll at least remember something from there.

He felt stupid.

If he's avoiding you, why does he still hope that you'll remember him?

"She'll never arrive ten minutes early."

Koko said as he looked at his wristwatch. Mikey and the others have been waiting inside the van for over thirty minutes. They complain about the time, but they're always too advance in arrival.

Just like any other business trip, they've all gathered to check that place discussed in the meeting the other day.

"Ms. (L/N) is here," Kakucho said, addressing you... formally.

"Just came in time." You thought as you greeted each of them and also introduced Willbert to them, the secretary.

As Mikey continued to attempt to avoid you, he couldn't help but notice this one new behavior you've developed. You never arrive early yet late, but instead, you're always arriving at the exact time.

He just gave you a nod and a formal handshake as you then walked out to ride in your car to just follow them to the place.

"Now I know the reason why you kept on rejecting Dias Corporation's offer," Kakucho muttered.

As the van began to drive toward their destination, Mikey only remained silent and uttered no words while he was only gazing out the window.

Visiting Village Callista once again... is it really just for business purposes?

"Willbert, have you examined the details about this new location?"

You asked in the backseat of your car while the travel is still ongoing. The travel is pretty long since the place is far from the city. Given that it's a province and rural area.

"It was formally a village, and they're planning to renovate that area to install one of the branches," Willbert answered.

You scratched your head and deeply sighed. "I wish mom is here so that she can also investigate the area... Also, I'm really worried about it since that place is a rural area... And it's an abandoned village?"

"Yes, it is also said that there's an abandoned, burned-down church there."

"An abandoned what?" Your ears perked up. You felt your heart pounding.

"Fuck," Willbert hesitated to continue. "Mr. Jiro and his men will be the ones to explain it—"

"No, I want to hear it now. An abandoned fucking church?"

"Y... Yes."

You feel your head aching as you winced. You quickly grabbed your purse to get your pills and swallowed them. Tears perked in your eyes as you feel your chest being tightened, air slowly leaving of your throat as you had a sudden panic attack.

"Ms. (L/N)," Willbert's eyes widened as he immediately stopped the vehicle to the side road and looked at the backseat.

"Zane," you called him by his first name, and he knew that moment that you'll be asking him about the name.

"Is the place they were referring to perhaps called "Village Callista?"

"We've arrived. Wake up."

Mitsuya nudged Haru who was in deep slumber inside the van. He woke up, along with Kakucho and Koko on the long ride. Mikey was the one who got out of the vehicle as they reached the destination.

"Didn't get a proper sleep?" Koko asked Mikey.

"Couldn't sleep," Mikey muttered.

Mikey looked at the familiar place, and his heart swells at the vivid memories he had in here. There are barricades and deserted houses in the area. The entire place is shabby, dilapidated, and just... abandoned.

This will never compare to how Village Callista was before.

It was once a village filled with joyful people.

Mikey's thoughts were once disturbed again as he heard your voice and footsteps striding towards him.

"Mr. Jiro, let's cancel this whole partnership." You directly said.

You've lost your memories. You also agreed to yourself that you'll never go back to your past, even if you've forgotten your other past events. The past memories in you... are not complete.

They're like puzzle pieces scattered all over.

And you don't want to make yourself struggle even more just by trying so hard to go back to your forgotten past.

Mikey's chest tightens by hearing your words as if they were words of objection. "Why so sudden?"— Was he only replied.

"I don't want to settle in this place."

"Why?" Mikey asked, even if he knows damn well why.

"Because... Because I don't want to. It's either we transfer our installation to some other places, or I'll cancel this whole thing." You sternly stated.

Mikey anticipated this.

He swore to himself that he'll distance himself away from you. A greater gap, a big gap away from you, but...

"Will you at least reminisce about this place once again?" Mikey favored, and your eyes squinted.

But it can't be helped sometimes. He can't control what is inside of that chest, of his, wants.

Your brows furrowed you stepped back, looking at him as you observed his presence.

"...Who are you?"

As soon as Mikey heard those three words from you, he knew right there and then that there was no more hope.

You've really forgotten him.

"I'm your business partner?" Mikey blurted out. Yeah. Just business partners.

You blinked and cleared your throat. Those damned hallucinations forming in your head were playing with you again.

"My bad... Fine, I'll agree to continue the facility in this place, but I'll be telling my secretary to chaperone us in case." You said as you walked off.

Mikey just watched you with eyes filled with a void as you walked away from him.

The only thing he can do is look. Just look. No more beyond that.

After a few minutes of discussing and planning the blueprint in this area. You and Mikey, along with Willbert behind the two of you explored the inside of this old village.

Mikey just discussed the plan with you while walking along the rocky road of this place.

You looked at the structures of the buildings in this area, and you didn't know why you felt a sudden surge of sentiment.

"Do you understand the process of building, Ms. (L/N)?" Mikey asked after he explained the blueprint to you.

"Yes, I just have a question."

"State it."

"Will you renovate the church?" You asked, and Mikey paused for a moment.

"Church?" Mikey raised a brow.

"Secretary Willbert told me some information while we were traveling. He said that there's an abandoned church here." You tried to act as if you didn't know what it was.

Who really is this Jiro?

Although you are aware that there are still many gaps in your memories and past, but you are certain that you were raised in this village.

"Then let's go there." Mikey bluntly told.

You walked at least an alley to the abandoned church, and your eyes widened as you finally reached it.

You looked at the surroundings.

It's abandoned.

It's old.

It's... burned down.

Any person would freak out if they see this church, even the village itself. Anyone wouldn't dare to go here.

But Mikey and (Y/N)? Why would they be? This place is what they call a beauty, yet none of them admitted that.

They kept it to themselves like a secret.

Just like before.

As to why Mikey regretted things now. He was indeed too late.

"Let's enter?" You asked.

"Let's go to the garden," but a different thing was in his mind.

"A garden?" You tried to remember what it was.

"I'll be left here alone, Ms. (L/N). I'll just be waiting here." Willbert said and you just nodded but kept your phone with you.

As Mikey and (Y/N) entered the church, he opened the rusty wooden double door, directing them to the church's garden.

There, it shows an old patio, a rusty table and chairs, a cracked small stone fountain, a fence filled with webs now, and those fairy lights still hanging on the tree's branches.

Your eyes widened as you remember all of these in one place.

Why was knowing your past beautiful, yet scary?

As you watched these like a stargazer, Mikey was just there, standing behind you. You're too preoccupied to notice those gem-like tears forming in his eyes as he reminisced about this place.

You're silent for a moment.

"W-Why the fuck did you bring me here? In this one particular area..."

"Please, damn it... Fucking remember me, please..." Mikey thought. He hoped so much. He wished so much.

Maybe this place will make you remember him.

He fucking hoped so much. He hoped in those past few years to at least see you again.

You can feel a knot growing in your throat as the pieces of the puzzle in your head begin to click together.

"Where's... that boy who helped me with those gangsters?" You hastily asked as you faced him, and a fit of anger was lurking in your chest.

"It... It was me, (Y/N). I was that boy back then... Standing at the same exact spot." Mikey whispered.

He hates how he has to explain things to you again.

As if you two are complete strangers.

As if you two haven't bonded with each other over those past few years.

"Why... What... Where have you been?" You asked as you walked towards him. "Who the fuck are you?"

"Who are you?!" You shouted.

"Why is everyone keeping secrets from me?! I don't fucking care if it's about my past, but almost every person who kept a secret from me is in a company that is working for us... It will affect my future—! Even my mother—!"

"I'm Manjiro Sano," he cuts you off.

You stopped your words as your eyes widened. The name is familiar, but why couldn't you remember?

All you remember was a child named Mikey.

Only that.

"What else happened after that?"

"You have a second past, and that's the past you've forgotten. I made more memories with you in that past." Mikey said, trying to compose himself.

You felt the air in your lungs escaping as you try to stop the tears of anger and anguish. "Tell me everything that happened..."

"I can't."

"Tell me, Manjiro... Tell me."

It was a relief to have you say his first name again after all those years.

"I told you. I fucking can't."

"Even my mother won't fucking tell me... Why can't you just tell me—?!"

"I fucking kidnapped you to force everything back in place! I was involved in a... dangerous criminal organization. I was in a path of carnage. I was in a void. Everything felt surreal. I involved you in every mess I did! I'm the reason why you kept on losing your memories! I don't want anything to repeat again! Do you understand me?! I was too late to realize everything, and I killed the person who's actually protecting you!" Mikey shouted, and his voice can almost rupture through the place.

Willbert immediately ran to the area as soon as he heard shouts, but he hid behind the walls as he witnessed the conversation you and Mikey are having.

"All... of that happened? Where... where was my mother Eri during those days?" You asked once more.

Mikey tried to lower his voice down and compose. Fuck. There it goes again. It's like he can't control his tone and himself.

"She was in a comatose. She was also involved in my mess..." Mikey bitterly admitted.

You only looked at him unbelievably as you hold your tears back. No. This can't be. This is impossible.

"What do you... call this mess of yours?" You mumbled.

"I made wreckage. Everything on the path I walk on is being ruined... That's why I don't want to walk in your path ever again."

"Then your mess was the reason why I lost my memory again..." You muttered.

"Yes. I am the reason."

Even if the other events aren't entirely Mikey's fault, he still put the blame on himself.

"Well, if that's the case, then I've already forgotten you, so we're now strangers again." You told and Mikey swore it tore him apart into pieces.

"You forgot me, but I never forgot about you."

"Sano, please... forget me too. I don't even remember the past I've shared with you." You pleaded.

It's noticeable in his eyes that he's been obscuring those untold stories. He had been in this misery for over more than a decade.

"But Sano, you just saved me and celebrated my birthday in this church. Nothing ever happened between us. There was no relationship established. We were just kids when we met."

"I tried to forget you. I... I even came to the point where I forced myself to see other women just to fucking forget you. I tried so hard in those years."

Your eyes widened as you heard his words studded with jagged blades. You tried to calm yourself down as you kept yourself stabilized.

"If I'm not mistaken, who was the other boy you were with back then?" You asked.

Manjiro's eyes widened as he knew who you were talking about.

"I killed him..." How will he say those words to her?

"H-He's dead."

"Dead...?" You almost gasped in shock from his answer. This information you're receiving only makes your panic worst.

"His name is Ryuguji Ken. Draken," he said. "Or you knew as Mask."

You are aware that you have inquired about the identity of the man in front of you, yet you remain unsatisfied with his response. Even you are unable to locate a piece that is still missing.

"I think we built a relationship before. I know we built something before. I know I should love you, but how? I can't even remember you at all." You muttered confusingly.

"Even just one little thing? You really can't remember anything about me?" Mikey questioned in sorrow, his voice straining from trying to force the lump out of his throat.

"I only know the child named 'Mikey'. That's all. All I can remember is him saving me from a bunch of those kids, and him always there when I was little." You muttered.

"Oh, God... Remember me, please... before I fucking leave the country..." Mikey said with tears in his eyes, almost pleading. He's still the same as ever.

"Leave the country?"

"I need to leave the country. Do you know how dangerous is it for me to stay here in Japan when I have a record full of felonies? Do you not recognize why I hid my full real name for a long time after building a whole empire?"

"Anytime... Any fucking time, (Y/N), I'll die here in my country." He added all while tears prickle in his eyes. "I'll face a death penalty if ever I don't clean my name that quick, and it reminded me of that nightmare called Bonten."

Bonten. As soon as you heard him say it, your head began to hurt. Mikey rushed over and assisted you in taking your medications as soon as you observed white spots in your vision causing your eyes to expand.

Panic was also contrasted in his eyes. He was scared of even causing you small harm.

Even if it's a slight panic attack. Even if it's just a small wound or just a scratch, he's scared that he'll be the cause of it.

He's scared to wreak havoc for you again.

He's scared to hurt you.

"(Y/N), if you're not willing to continue this partnership... and it only causes you panic attacks, please, let's not continue this for the sake of your health," Mikey said.

"I've worked hard to convince your company to let this continue... All for my position—"

"To exchange for your health, really?" Mikey raised his brow.

"Stop that," you grunted. "I am willing to do anything for my mother's company that I'll soon take over in the future."

"Even slowly discovering your past that will slowly ruin you too?"

You paused at his words. This past of yours will really haunt you.

"That's why let me take this one role to not let you be in danger again, even if it's just a small thing... before I leave the country," Mikey said in a brittle voice.

"Let me take that role... if ever you also slowly start to remember me," he added.

"Or maybe even completely forget me again as I leave the country, and start a new beginning somewhere," he said once more. "Till my death, I will be staying there."

You only nodded. Strings in your heart are like being pulled.

"One last favor, (Y/N)?" He said, making you raise your head.

"What?"

"Can we go at the church's altar?"

Your brows furrowed in perplexity, yet you still concurred. You walked down the aisle of the church. In the church, the wooden pews were bitten by rodents and the carpet was also torn, with insects living there.

"Why are we here?" You asked Mikey, standing right in front of the church's altar.

"Nothing. I'll have you guarantee to check the measures in this specific area, for our installation." He reasoned.

Even if it's not really true.

He knows it sounds surreal, but he watched you stand in front of the church's altar. 

Aren't these what married husbands and wives do? Stand in front of the altar to say their vows.

Though Manjiro can only imagine. 

If only he fixed himself earlier, he could've done that with you.

He blinked away those thoughts that are impossible to happen.

So impossible.

You two manage a firm and are both in your 40s. One is an heir, and there will be more opportunities and positions that await her. Mikey will relocate abroad for his business, a new beginning, and has more to clear his tarnished name.

It's impossible to start all over again.

Mikey felt as though his impulses were hitting him as he thought for a moment. It's all hasty, that much was true. How he rushed to find you after the past, how he rushed to get you to remember him, how he rushed every little single thing, how his own selfishness took him, and lastly, how in haste was his love for you.

Guilt.

"It's true, we all went in haste."

After all these years, Eri was right. (Y/N) was right. People who told this one particular thing were right.

You can live for however long you wish as long as you have the will to live.

And she was her will. His sinful will.

A will he's willing to commit.

He doesn't know how he stayed alive for this long.

But he knows it's all because of that will.

Manjiro Sano's POV

"When is your flight?" She asked in a whisper, yet I still heard it since the church is completely silent. You can even hear a pin drop.

"Next week," I answered.

She smiled in forlorn. "Stay safe on your flight."

"I'll... I have to leave now. Thank you for visiting this place again." I said, even if I don't want to.

"I'm glad to be working with you. I still need to return to the workplace to manage things there, so I'll be going now."

"Till next time... hopefully, Ms. (L/N)," only business partners.

"Likewise, Mr. Jiro," indeed only business partners.

She shook my hand, just like what formal businessmen would do after a business session.

But before she can retract her hand back, it's like I moved on my own as I embraced her. I hate it. I hate to admit that I miss her presence, her scent, and her warm hugs. I hate to say it. I can't express it at all.

"I think... I did it. I'll finally give her the bright future she deserves, just like what Ken-chin promised."

My thoughts are interrupted as tears stream freely from my eyes. She must have realized how tight his hug was. A hug that conveys deeper significance.

Out of all those years, those decades, I never found any women, and I don't have any intentions to find any women.

I can't love anymore. I can't bear to receive love. I don't deserve it.

It might repeat again. I'll lose myself again if I do. I'm scared that I might hurt another person. I can't bring myself to take consolation in other people.

(Y/N) is one of those. I can't bring myself to get closer to her. She doesn't deserve me, and I don't deserve her unconditional love. I don't deserve her devotion.

All I want for her is to finally have that bright future ahead of her.

The bright future, like the paradise that Ken-chin told me.

A paraluman like her deserves a paradise, whilst a devil like me deserves the scorching pain of hell.

Did everything go in haste, or did everything go to waste?

I soon then let go of the hug, and I observed her face to find any violent or uncomfortable reactions, but I found nothing.

I found... a melancholy expression on her face.

"I'll be going now," I told her as a gush of wind passed by inside the church as if it were a cue for something.

I saw her giving the same look she had in her eyes back then. Even if she may have forgotten about me, I will always remember the glances she gives me.

"You... always stay safe." The final words I dropped as I walked off.

I walked down the church's aisle to finally get out. She's still standing in front of that altar. I can't look back. I cannot bear to look back. I can't turn around and show her the tears on my cheeks. I can't bear to see the sight that I'll finally leave her.

I never looked back anymore.

Instead, I looked at the scorching heat of the sun before walking out of the Village Callista... A place where a new generation will overcome this place soon.

For the very last time...

History may repeat itself, but a strong will is capable of stopping it.

Does a hasty game with no rules and only fiery objectives played by feisty people lead to this path? It's indeed a game over.

"I love you... Those three untold words."

Every person's destination is paradise, and it is their last glimpse of the end. 

THE END

A/N: You've reached the ending of Hasty Feisty. Thank you for reading. Please scroll to the next page for more notes.