⚠ 18+ Strong language, mention of guns, mention of wounds and an autopsy.

🔔 📣 Hiromi Higuruma & OC : Lawyer, Nonchalant, Aloof, Sexy man in suit, Suspense, Fluff, Smut.

The smut isn't too OTT in this story but I still advise you guys to be aware if you aren't comfortable. P.s it's toward the end of the story only.

This one is for @yourmomslipstick who requested a Hiromi FF. I had fun doing this one thanks for requesting this ♥

There's a court scene in this one, and while I researched it, it's not 100% accurate to the real thing. Hope it's okay lol.

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I dunno why but I had spent an unhealthy amount of time staring at this pic ... 👀 Credit to artist OMG 😍!

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What's it like being an adult?

I can't wait to grow up and be an adult.

Adults are so lucky they can do whatever they want.

They so lucky to have independence and freedom, so unfair!

All these thoughts and opinions of kids are so pure and untainted. They think adults live a life of pleasure where we do as we wish with no worries. So innocent...

If anything us adults get trapped in a large spiders web, we go to college to study and then find a good job and work our lives up.

Why?

Because it's respectful thing to do. The right thing according to society. It's the structured way in which we survive.

But somewhere in the interim of doing just that, we become puppets of society our strings controlled by the expectations and harsh whispers of people.

No, no kids, we're not free. Our money isn't our own.

Tax, expenses, insurance, and other things people expect us to have, take our free will of spending away. We have to mimic and have the same things lest we be shunned and turned away.

You don't have medical insurance then doctors frown upon you.

You don't have a car or you rent a place instead of own a house? People look down upon you.

You prefer economical brands? Oh how they hate you for that.

The fear of being left alone that stems from our childhood manifests into these 'adult' fears. To please society. To do what others do.

We eventually copy each other in hopes of being socially acceptable and 'normal' and that also means nodding along like one of many sheep to every decision.

Which means speaking up against the wrong makes you bad and singled out.
Adulthood sucks! It's pretty hard and you don't get free stuff anymore.

Enjoy your life kids... it gets really messy.

Me? Oh sorry, my bad.

Hi there, I am Hiromi Higuruma. I am a 36 year old lawyer and I hate life right now!

Sorry, bad introduction... *clears throat*

You may call me Hiro, I am a defense attorney and I take no bullshit. My passion to become a lawyer stemmed from my unwavering belief in doing the right thing no matter what. Ethics and moral conduct runs through my veins more than blood does.

I don't approve of bad, unlawful behavior that can endanger anyone's life but I also like to peep behind that and look at the reason for such behavior.
What's the desperation that drives a person to do anything actually?

Like one of the Jujutsu sorcerers once said: "Treat the cause not the symptoms."

Anyway I must be on my way... got a case to wrap up. Do come watch me tear them up in the courtroom.

The ambience was sharp and alive, fight or flight instinct pumping overtime in the veins of both prosecution and defense.
The two legal parties gathered with their entourage, ready and waiting to begin the case officially.

Both groups of people eyed each other wearily, trying to figure the other out, mind calculating and estimating how accurate they are in predicting the oppositions side of the case.

Well all except for one man, Hiromi Higuruma. The best lawyer in Japan, the most sought after attorney.

Long legs clad in a black suit pants strided into the venue, briefcase held firmly by one strong hand. Confident steps clicked as he placed one foot in front of the other, an ominous sound for the prosecution.

As he made his way to the front of the room to his team, the passersby were met with the view of his muscular back covered in a perfectly cut coat that accentuated his broad shoulders.

Hair neatly brushed back, styled in a vintage look coupled with a muted expression painted on his face, Hiromi Higuruma was a handsome, force to be reckoned with.

A female assistant from the prosecution swooned, tilting her head back to try and get a better look at the handsome man.

Hiromi greeted his team and briefed them on how he wanted their side of the case to follow out. He handed a stack of documents to his assistant to hold for him.

Hiromi noticed his nervous assistant bite her nails and smiled comfortingly with a wink that made her even more edgy.

Shaking the hand of his client he stated confidently, with a faint smile, "We'll get your name cleared today."

Within minutes the entire room was filled with people and the Judge sat ready to begin. He addressed the room.

"Minute keeper ready? Sketch artist ready? Attorneys are you prepared and ready to begin?" The judge queried upon which everyone agreed. He nodded and thus began the case officially.

Hiromi's client sat nervously, clawing his pants at the knees, rocking himself back and forward.

The prosecution droned on with their opening statement.

Hiromi smirked to himself shaking his head. He took in all the slip ups on their part, the bratty, childish note to their voice as if whining would curry favour with the judge.

He sat leg crossed over the other at the knee, elbow propped on the table hand airily held up with poise. Hiromi's mind reeled, analysing the possible directions this case would go. The prosecution's statement was weak, barely covering their client.

'Tch! If their opening statement can barely back up their client, imagine their evidence...' He thought, preparing to rain down on them with full force.

The attorney thanked everyone and sat down again seemingly proud of the first grade bullshit he spouted.

Hiromi's team discreetly glanced at him, knowing the ringleader of their team, he was about eat the prosecution alive.

Anticipation and excitement thrummed through their veins, admiration sparkling in their eyes.

His assistant lawyer placed two pieces of gum, with shaky hands into her mouth, passing the little tube of gum to the rest to share. She chewed nervously, anxiety clawing her insides.

And then the judge called forth for Hiromi.

"Now can we have the Defense serve their statement." He ordered primly.

Hiromi stood up, brushing his hands down the front of his coat.

"Your Honor, My client Mr Anzai Takayama, walked in on the gruelling sight of his wife's dead body in their hotel room on July 23rd. A rather primitive method of justice has been policed whereby what has apparently occurred was made a belief. While the actuality of the event was ignored. This led to my client to remain in police custody for the last four weeks, who now seeks to plead his side in a fair and just trial."

Hiromi spoke in a crisp clear tone, words eloquently rolling off his tongue.
The entire room remained transfixed, intently hanging off his words.

"As shall be brought to light during this trial via the evidence collected, Mr Anzai is an innocent man bound with shackles of homicide. I suspect that the one who placed these shackles on his hands is our real culprit and my team and I shall artfully unveil this to you in due course. That is all, thank you, Your Honour."

The prosecution held their breath too scared to exhale. The attorney stared at Hiromi wild eyed, already giving his game up.

The rest of the process droned on with a back and forth of witnesses, subpoenas and arguments from the prosecution and defense.

The manager of the hotel was called in and questioned by Hiromi.

Anzai's psychologist was called in as a subpoena to confirm his mental sanity.

While the prosecution weaseled their way around the case, the defense roared mightily with each piece of evidence.

Hiromi strided over to the witness standing at the confession box, perspiring profusely. His lips curled into a bright, attractive smile that came across as warm and friendly.

The witness relaxed a little and gave a small smile back. Hiromi's team held onto their seats knowing that the eagle was about to swoop down.

"Mr Kurosaki, you were in the surrounding area holidaying on July 23rd, yes?" He asked politely.

"Yes I was. I was actually in the same hotel as Shin. It was a pleasant surprise. I was at the table for most of the day and was so happy to bump into her in the lobby." Kurosaki replied with a wistful smile.

"Table?" Hiromi asked, feigning ignorance.

The prosecution's attorney straightened his tie nervously, pulling the knot of it further up.

"Yeah, I was at the Casino. I play poker and am a regular there." He added, clearing his throat thereafter.

"Ohh wow, that's amazing. I bet you're skilled if you're a regular, huh?" Hiromi said throwing the man up with compliments.

Kurosaki beamed, eyes crinkling at the corners. He shook his head a little.

"Nah, I am alright. I have my ups and downs." He admitted modestly.

"Hmm, very honest of you. I like that. So I heard that at the time of the commotion, you discovered the room number the murder took place in and came in to support the family of Mrs Takayama, realising it was her room with Mr Takayama, is that correct?"
Hiromi confirmed, staring patiently at the witness.

"Y-Yes, that's correct. I heard that someone shot Shin and I lost my mind. I came as fast I could and I was left bereft when I found Anzai leaning over her with bloodied hands." Kurosaki said, shooting a brief glare at Mr Takayama.

Hiromi smiled whimsically, eyes staring pointedly at the witness for a second before thanking him. Kurosaki stepped off the box.

The prosecution's side attorney rose, huffing out a breath. Hiromi smirked to himself as he sat down with his team.

The prosecution called Anzai to the witness box and began their questioning.

"How long have you been married to Mrs Shin and would you say it was a happy marriage?" The attorney pried.

"Thirteen years. I loved Shin, we were so happy. I would never harm her let alone murder her." He answered in a defeated, heartbroken voice.

"I didn't say that you murdered her." The attorney clipped.

"Where were you, during noon on July 23rd?"

"I went down to the store at the hotel to get her tampons. She was complaining about abdominal pain and said that she wanted to be left alone for a while. So I gave her the space she wanted and killed some time at the cafe and then got her the tampons. Thirty minutes later I opened the door and found- found her..."
Mr Takayama stuttered, eyes dilated and fixated on the floor as if reliving the memory.

"Hmm, so could you describe the scene when you found Mrs Shin?" The attorney pressed.

Anzai looked up wild eyed, eyes watering. He swallowed throatily before beginning.

"I swiped my card, I walked in and found her lying on the floor... at the bay window. Blood, so much if her blood everywhere. She was in her robe and, and her mouth was parted... Oh Shin- !"
He sobbed, breaking down and holding the wooden railing for support.

The attorney crinkle his nose and begrudgingly handed him a tissue.

"What else? What else do you remember?" He urged, widening his eye's and waving his hand impatiently.

"Objection Your Honour! He's harassing my client. Forcing a witness to such lengths is inhumane!" Hiromi defended, standing up with a soft frown in his brows.

"Sustained. Give the witness a minute to collect himself. Rushing him shall affect his recollection of the events negatively."
The judge said firmly.

Hiromi sat down again, a muted expression on his face, silently studying the behavior of the prosecutions attorney on the witness thus far.

"Apologies, take your time Mr Takayama." The attorney bit out in a restrained voice.

Mr Takayama spoke for a few more minutes, explaining his point of view in a painfully detailed manner.

"Do you own a gun Mr Takayama? Perhaps for personal security reasons?"

"Y-Yes I do. A Glock 17." He confirmed.

"Hmm that's interesting, seeing as the police tracked bullets from that very gun to be used in this murder." The attorney gave the witness a cocky look, raising a brow in question.

"I-I never had my gun on me that day. I was with my wife, there was security..." He said dumbfounded and surprised.

"We'll see but for now, that will be all. Thank you." The prosecution said, brushing aside his explanation.

Mr Takayama left the box, tears still falling silently from his eyes. Hiromi sat mouth upturned in discontent, mind reeling.

Hiromi summoned a subpoena to the witness box. It was a technician from the forensics department that confirmed that the camera footage from the cafe and shop in the hotel was real and not tampered with, making it fortifying evidence to help prove Anzai's alleby to be true.

"Seeing as Mr Takayama's alleby is proven to be liable, I now seek permission to call Mr Kurosaki back to the stand, Your Honour."

A few minutes later Hiromi stood, smiling once more at the man who now seemed even more on edge than before.

"I see. Mr Kurosaki, may I know the relationship you and Mrs Takayama had?" Hiromi quizzed.

"We were friends, since college." He answered.

"Hmm and have you kept in touch since then. Were you always very close?" Hiromi asked, adding an conspicuous emphasis on the word 'close'.

"We've kept in touch but limited our contact seeing as she was married." He answered.

"Limited? What harm was there in keeping contact with a friend. It's not like you two were doing anything illegitimate..."

The prosecution objected, butting into Hiromi's questioning.

"I apologise Your Honour, I am in the midst of making the point, I'll serve it quick." He replied bowing to the judge.

He turned and stared expectantly at Kurosaki, waiting for his reply.

The junior lawyer in his team shifted, the assistant chewing furiously on her gum as she watched the scene play out.
The minute keeper raised a discreet, interested brow waiting to hear the next part.

"E-excuse me? What are you insinuating? That I would sleep with my friend, have an affair!?" He exclaimed outraged.

Hiromi glanced at him witheringly, a pleased smile on his face.

"I never said you did." He countered.

"And by any chance do you own a gun? For sport or perhaps safety as well?" Hiromi queried.

"Yes, same as Anzai, Glock 17." He admitted, Hiromi nodded emphatically, making it seem that he believed Kurosaki's words.

Hiromi stared expressionless preparing his next round of questions.

"I am going to ask a few rapid fire questions. You may answer in yes or no. Additionally you may answer in brief sentences." Hiromi said in a stone cold demeanor, voice now hardening.

"You were holidaying alone at that hotel?"

"Yes."

"To play poker and earn some fun cash?"

"Yes."

"How much did you win that day?"

"Prefer not to say."

"From who did you hear the hotel room number and news of the attack?"

"Gossip, patrons passing by." He said with an unbothered sigh.

"You said that you found Mr Takayama leaning over Mrs Takayama with bloodied hands. Did you not see a gun?"

"No. He must have hidden it by then."

"Did you know that Mr and Mr Takayama was booked into that hotel?"

"No."

"Which room did you stay in?"

"Room 1859."

"For how many days?"

"Four."

"And you checked out on July 23rd."

"Yes."

"At what time?"

"Can't remember, around the afternoon perhaps."

"I see. Thank you very much. Now, you said that you had spent four days gambling, however, said facilities were unavailable due to maintenance and renovations. When we match the bills and renovation contract for the casino, this alleby becomes severely flawed Mr Kurosaki."

Kurosaki dug his nails into his fists, glaring at Hiromi.

The invincible defence attorney handed the judge, a sheet with financial information containing records of budgets allocated for renovations to prove his statement.

Hiromi angled himself so that he faced the judge and the witness. Sucking in a breath, he began.

"Now, here's what we know and will prove Mr Kurosaki. Camera footage shows you walking in hand in hand with Mrs Takayama, who checked in with you on the 20th of July at 10 am. You left the room after checking in and returned after making a purchase at the hotel store."

He stopped to look at Kurosaki.

"Your bills show no additional charges, except for that one single purchase at the store. Said purchase being a package of extra-large, strawberry flavoured, ribbed condoms, 12+1 extra. This is from the receipt we got from the hotel."

Halting the story, Hiromi walked over to the intern and took the sheet she flourished out to him. Hiromi passed the printed pages of records, the receipt and a call log to the judge.

"But that isn't all, reservations were made telephonically by her on the 21st of July for a booking that she later had with her husband Mr Takayama. The line was traced by forensics leading to the telephone from room 1859 in that hotel, and was made on the 21st of July at 11:30 am. Your Honour all records can he seen on those pages, which has been cleared by forensics to ensure legitimacy."

The prosecution deflated, each member holding back from running over to wring his neck for being so transparent.

"Mrs Takayama exited the hotel and later that day checked in with her husband, into room 1858. However, during the time July 22nd to July 23rd, no further footage of you leaving the room until July 23rd 3:42 pm, can be located or seen. This means that you never left the room in that time frame. Can you please confirm what you were doing in that time period please?"

The quick witted defense attorney handed a pen-drive over to the judge to show him the all footage in question.

The courtroom was silent while the judge watched the footage on his laptop. He nodded in confirmation once he was done with the viewing.

Hiromi turned to face the witness who spoke up before he could.

"We were sleeping together for the past five years. She got bored in her marriage and ... well..." Kurosaki trailed off too embarrassed to continue.

A collective gasp could be heard behind Hiromi. Kurosaki cast his eyes down, shoulders slumped.

"Objection-"

"Overruled!"

The temperature dropped, an icy chill settled over everyone. Mr Takayama stared in disbelief, eyes red, face contorted in pure agony and fury. Hiromi continued his onslaught.

"Like I said before your alibi is severely flawed. You stated that you discovered the murder of Mrs Takayama from gossip, but the thing is... no one was alerted. The hotel has to date kept it under wraps.No one knew about this incident; it's bad for business." Hiromi whispered the last part conspiratorially behind his hand making the others chuckle.

White palms and sweaty faced, Kurosaki gulped, avoiding eye contact with everyone. He stared from wall to wall.

The man remained silent, refusing to look up.

"The court awaits your alibi Mr Kurosaki, further silence shall be taken for guilt." The judge warned, urging the witness to speak up.

Kurosaki's hands trembled.

"I didn't kill her. I loved her, I didn't..." He fumbled, shaking his head.

"Your Honour, we shall now step away from the witness and speak more about the deceased victim. Mrs Shin Takayama was found dead in hotel room 1858, on July 23rd, impaled by multiple bullets into her chest cavity, puncturing all her major organs."

The judge nodded, the minute keeper's eye's widened a smidgen as she typed furiously on her laptop.

"The autopsy reports show that she died within seconds, having rapid bullets impale her organs. We further discovered from experts that murder of this calibre, could only be achieved by an automatic gun, for example a Glock 18; which takes the same bullets as a Glock 17. We can now see how the misunderstanding and accusation on my client arose in the first place. The ballistics report further proves that only a fully automatic gun would have been able to evoke such injuries, given the bullet type and the impact with a handgun. Ballistic experts further confirm that the type of gun Mr Takayama holds, would not be able to inflict the damage Mrs Takayama had fallen prey to. Your Honour, the guns may have held the same bullets; 9×9mm, NATO, however, a semiautomatic gun such as the one Mr Takayama holds, cannot fire as rapidly as the one used on our victim."

Hiromi extended his hand out and his assistant tottered forward to pass him a new sheet with autopsy results and the ballistic report. The click of his footsteps toward the judge, made the prosecution tremble with fear, as if he knocked the final nail into their coffin.

"I-I swear, I didn't kill her..." Kurosaki whimpered from the confession stand.

Hiromi ignored him and continued his explanation.

"Mrs Takayama's autopsy pronounced her cause of death by internal bleeding after being rained down with a total of nine bullets-"

"SIX! THERE WERE SIX BULLETS! DON'T LIE!" Kurosaki screamed, face red, a vein popping in his skull.

The room fell silent, Hiromi's assistant crossed her fingers and bit her lip refusing to move an inch.

Hiromi smirked dryly, he turned to face the witness.

"Could you kindly repeat that Mr Kurosaki?"

"I said that there were six bullets in her." He bit out, snarling at Hiromi.

"And how do you know that?"

"Because I fucking shot her okay!" He admitted running his hands through his hair in frustration.

"The bitch didn't want to budge, she wouldn't leave Anzai because of his wealth. I was just her lap dog! I was so done with her crap. Having to hide and keep pretenses! She made an excuse to see me that day and we had a fight. I lost my business, I was kicked off the board and she said: That's why I won't leave Anzai for you. I got mad, pulled out my gun from the drawer and shot her, emptying my cartridge into her! Greedy bitch got what she deserved!"

That was it, the case was over. The prosecutions attorney face palmed himself and slammed his file shut angrily.

The judge stared pointedly at Kurosaki and the police stepped forward to handcuff the culprit. Within minutes Kurosaki was retained, head hung in defeat.

Hiromi strided to the center of the courtroom, ready to verbally end this trial and tie up all loose strings.

"Yuko Kurosaki, attempted to suffocate Mrs Takayama upon being instigated by her. The autopsy revealed subcutaneous bruising in her nasal passage, throat and eye sockets. A torn tendon was also discovered her wrist which supports the statement of a struggle while being suffocated."

Hiromi held his hand out and gestured to Kurosaki who now shed guilty, embarrassed tears.

"Mrs Takayama fought him and managed to push the pillow down to her torso and away from her face in the time Mr Kurosaki took to pull his gun with an attached silencer out. He shot at her in frustration, jabbing the gun into the pillow which drowned any further noise."

The judge listened silently to Hiromi.

"But given the situation, one can ask, how did he pull this off? How come the police failed to find any clues? The answer is simple, the previous owner of the hotel: Golden Rise, is Mr Yuko Kurosaki. He had a few loyal employees' who aided in cleaning up the room and murder scene. But then how do I know this? How was the proof retrieved given it was owned by our murderer?"

Mr Takayama stared intently, eyes flaming with silent anger. He pursed his lips in disappointment, Hiromi's end statement bringing an odd sense of calm and validation to him.

"What Mr Takayama didn't know is that his wife booked a connecting room, making it easier to escape to her lover. Mr Kurosaki carried her body into room 1858 and threw her on the ground. Again, how did I manage to gain such formidable evidence given it was previously Mr Kurosaki's hotel? Well... the new owner who took over is Mr Anzai Takayama. You will find attached to the autopsy documents, the paperwork for the hotel and the deal whereby the property was legally signed over. That's all I have to say, Your Honour."

The crowd stirred, curious murmurs filling the air.

"All evidence leads to the innocence of accused, Mr Anzai Takayama and proves that Mr Yuko Kurosaki is guilty of culpable homicide, and is hereby sentenced to life imprisonment. A further charge of Six million Yen is owed by him to Mr Anzai for attempted defamation of identity and character. In addition to this, Mr Kurosaki is charged with an additional fifteen years for the possession of illegal firearms. This case is now closed. The court is adjourned!"

A loud applause broke out from the defense team. All the lawyers and assistants shook Anzai's hand and congratulated him on his win. Anzai bent low in his seat, tears of relief and stress flooding down his face.

The prosecution woke up somberly, all of them staring with dismay and annoyance at Kurosaki as they made their way out. Kurosaki whispered something to his attorney, still restrained by the police. The attorney laughed bitterly and sneered at him.

"Parole is something you should have kissed goodbye at the witness box, Kurosaki." The attorney commented before walking off unbothered.

Anzai clasped Hiromi's hand and pulled him in for an impromptu hug. His body shook with relief and remorse as he thanked him over and over.

Hiromi smiled kindly and consoled him. The entire group was escorted out of the court by security for safety measures.

Hiro's assistant lawyer met him outside and shook his hand, beaming broadly.

"Well done Mr Higuruma. It was executed wonderfully, it was just amazing to watch." She complemented.

"Thank you Miyuki, and well done to you as well. You've put in a lot of effort in this case also. This win is just as much yours, it was a team effort. So congratulations to you as well." He answered back, smiling handsomely at her.

She blushed a pink shade, cheeks rising up with an uncontainable smile. His eyes sparkled with interest, he cleared his voice and spoke.

"I was wondering, would you like to perhaps go out for some coffee and celebrate?" He asked hopefully. Her face brightened and then fell, dimming immediately.

"I-I can't... I have somewhere I need to be right now." She said a little dejectedly.

'She probably has a boyfriend...' He thought bitterly.

He casually brushed it off and furthermore turned down the other invitations from his team, making an excuse about extra work at the office.

Hiromi walked to his car the smug satisfaction that glowed inside of him, flickering off. Another win for him, this one was too easy but...

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Throwing his briefcase on the leather couch he slumped down into he office chair. Loosening his tie, Hiromi flung it blindly to the side.

"I am so fucking tired..." He huffed out.

Hiro found himself recently saying that a lot out loud. With a heavy sigh he slid down his seat a little, stretching his legs open and flinging an arm over his face,head tilted back.

'Shit... I am so tired...'

His mind unconsciously repeated the phrase over and over, a dark, damp, cold feeling gulped him whole, an overcast of deep gray floating around him.

He wasn't physically tired, yet he found himself repeatedly chanting miserably to himself of how tired he was.

Recently his job was not as satisfying and fulfilling as it initially was, he'd go home and collapse on a sofa in his lounge, unbothered with eating and zero interest in anything else.

Hiromi dragged his sombre self out of his office and back to that place he crashed at, no longer seeing it as his home. Despite a victorious win third time that week he walked as if part of a funeral procession of the prosecution, turning down all invitations to celebrate with his peers.

Entering his house after sitting mindlessly in late afternoon traffic for an hour, he kicked his door shut and dumped his coat on the floor at the entrance unbothered with manners or tidiness.

Mindlessly his body carried him to the bathroom, he turned the tubs faucet on, plugging the drain. He hadn't had a bath in two days, sleeping at his office for a few hours before getting up to continue draining his brain with work that he prided himself in.

With the tub half full, Hiromi numbly stepped in, not bothered with taking his clothes off. A dull reminder went off in his brain that he forgot to undress before stepping in. The meticulous side in him cringed at the fact that his suit was now ruined, but he was simply too damn tired to care.

'Oh well... water's cold so I may as well keep my clothes on...' He thought in droning lifeless voice.

He absentmindedly filled the tub with only cold water

Sighing with frustration, he hooked his legs over edge of the tub, too tall to fit his full height. Zoning out, his mind wandered over to his younger days. How he pushed and studied, worked so dedicatedly to get to where he was.

For the first time he thought about everything he sacrificed, it hit him like a sack of bricks. Hiromi spent his life thus far zeroing his focus on becoming an attorney, the best one.
One that would never waver from the path of justice as so many others had.

Now that he had it, he felt empty, lost...

Looking around he sat at the top, everything materialistic in his palm and yet... He was alone.

Usually too busy to care and previously blinded by his passion for law he never bothered with holidays, festivals, seasons, anything fun worth celebrating.

Now even the rain seemed to bother him, because at the back of his mind he knew he'd be going home to his icy ceramic bathtub whilst others were snuggling with their partners and family, sharing warm fuzzy moments.

Feeling petty and bitter, Hiro rebelled against norms of living like any usual human. He'd soak in the tub with his clothes on.

Walk outside in the cold night with no appropriate warm clothing.

He'd eat over his laptop, leave dishes to decay in his sink for weeks.

On extremely I bearable nights Hiro found himself drowning himself ocean deep in alcohol, until he woke up one day, neck strained from sleeping awkwardly at the edge of the bed.

For the very first time he asked himself,
'What am I even doing? Where am I going in my life.'

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Hours later he woke with a sharp pain in his neck that lolled awkwardly to the side of the tub, his body temperature had dropped.

Hiro's eyes adjusted to the dark gloomy bathroom, frigid temperature making him sneeze. The action jolting his mind bringing him back to the present.

Looking around the room as if for the first time ever he found himself soaked to the bone in cold water, still dressed in his suit. The faint buzzing of his cellphone reminded him of life outside the sterile, cold bubble he was stuck in.

His mouth tilted downward involuntarily at the harsh reminder of how alone he was.

His mind flitted to his sweet assistant Miyuki. They worked so easily together and he couldn't help but feel like she'd be perfect in every other aspect in his life to.

'She would be a dream, as a partner, wife, girlfriend... anything.'

A happy man wouldn't wake up cold and miserable, he'd have someone like Miyuki to keep him going, to care for him and for him love and care for in return. Climbing out of the tub he pulled his shoes and socks off, padding off to switch the lights on.

He climbed into his shower and cleaned up, the hot spray a contrast to his iced skin.

Toweling his hair he walked into his bedroom wearing old black sweats, the elastic now slightly loose with washing it often, in short- it was comfortable.

He rummaged around aimlessly for any semblance of a T-shirt to cover his torso.

'Maybe she's too young and doesn't want to date? She is only 26 years old...' He wondered.

A strangled noise rumbled out from his abdomen. Glancing down he stared for a second before saying, "Oh yeah..."

Still shirtless, Hiromi padded to the kitchen to find sustenance before remembering he hadn't done any shopping for weeks and had only a couple bottles of beer, a mouldy orange and a box of uncooked macaroni in his kitchen.

Finding his phone on the floor at the main door his snatched it up and dialed the first fast food joint on his dial pad. It rang twice before someone picked up, answering in a disgruntled tone.

"What do you mean you're closed?" He asked in confusion. The person jibbered back in rush sentences.

"Huh? What does the time have to do with me as a customer?" He threw back at the impatient waitress.

"It's 12 am who the hell even calls now!? We just closed." She snipped clearly annoyed with her hours.

"Oh yeah... It's late." He whispered more to himself.

"Try Home bakery, they stay open till 2 am!" She tossed before clicking off.

Hiromi typed in the name, thumbs clumsily tripping over his phone. Pulling up their webpage he clicked the telephone number dialing the place.

Placing the phone to his ear he listened to the the monotonous ring of the dialing tone, a perfect backdrop to match his feelings currently.

"Hello?" A soft feminine voice caressed through the speaker, Hiromi shut his eyes at the calming sound of her voice. It washed over him, warming him up.

'I could listen all day to this voice...'

Hiromi was struck in a state of bliss, something about the speaker on the other end attracted him.

"Hello, are you there? How can I help?" She spoke again.

"Ohh yeah. Ummm I need food..." He stated lamely, saying the first thing that popped into his head, his palms warmed up and grew sweaty.

"Well it's a good thing you called us then." She chuckled.

"Do you have a takeout menu?" He asked embarrassedly.

"Mmmm no, we don't do take out Sir."

'Sir... I like hearing her call me that.'

And then it hit him.

"Wait, will you be there if I come in now?" He asked hoping to meet the owner of the sweet and attractive voice.

"Yes Sir we are still open till 2 am." She replied, her tone obsequious, no doubt from being in a service business.

He nodded to decidedly to himself.

"Alright , see you soon." He promised, cutting the call.

A slow grin spread on his face.. A thrill ran through his veins and was amplified by his heart that pumped rapidly.

It felt like the sun rising up brightly after days of overcast weather. He was going to meet this woman with the voice of a siren.

Finding a hoodie crammed halfway into the side of his sofa, he threw it over his bare chest, having given up finding any other clothes.

Hiro dashed out a spring in his step as he walked to his destination. He kept himself occupied with various scenarios reeling through his mind on what could happen. Anticipation fueled his speed.

Hiromi sobered up. Halting in his tracks he jerked to an immediate stop .

'What am I doing? This woman could be married, or old, or too young. What am I doing getting excited over someone I don't even know!? How stressed and tired am I?' He thought, giving himself a mental pep talk.

He walked past rows of closed shops, boutiques and restaurants. The neat boxes lined next to each other, dark and void of any life or light.

He smirked dryly, the closed shops a good analogy for how he felt about life presently. Then he spotted the restaurant ahead, the light spilling out and illuminating the dark road and surrounding area. A warm yellow light beckoned him closer, melting his cold insides.

Deep in his heart he remembered how he felt just hearing her voice. She was special he knew it.

Hiromi entered the place called, Home bakery and stopped short, he gasped in shock.

Miyuki... his Miyuki stood in front of him, flirting with what looked like the manager.
A handsome young man with dimples bumped his elbow playfully against her and winked.

His feet turned to lead as he walked up to them, staring at the couple who ran this joint, apparently happily so.

Miyuki turned to see him, she beamed brightly, welcoming him.

"Mr Higuruma! Oh what a surprise. Where you the gentleman who called earlier?"

"Ah... Yeah that was me. I had no idea you worked here." He said, testing the waters to scoop more information out.

The handsome guy chuckled and elbowed her again in a friendly way, he wiggled his eyebrows saucily at her.

"My baby sister always talks about you, Hi I am Satoshi Yahagi. Miyuki's older brother."

Hiro stood with raised brows, he didn't expect the odds to favour him so.

"Nice to meet you I am-"

"- Hiromi Higuruma, Defense attorney. Sorry, it's just I hear about you non stop all day, everyday." Satoshi explained, smiling warmly at him.

He preened internally, happy to hear to mentioned him.

'She talks about me... Wow. She actually talks about me, thinks about me.'

"Come, let's talk over some food." her brother ushered him to the closest booth and handed him a menu.

Hiro was quick to order and Miyuki disappeared through the kitchens to make his order; leaving her brother to keep him company.

"Thanks for being such a great boss to her, for allowing her to leave early this week." Her brother said.

"Miyuki works here after her hours at the office everyday? This is where she comes after work?" Hiro asked, a worried look casting over his face.

"It's usually my wife and I but she's 8 months pregnant now. Miyuki offered to stand in, instead of getting a temp." Satoshi explained.

Hiro was baffled at her selflessness. Her kind heart made him spiraled down deeper in his feelings for her.

"I don't mind." Satoshi said.

"Wha?"

"I see how you two look at each other. I like you for her." He said not so cryptically

"Chicken and mayo sub with shredded lettuce and peach tea." Miyuki said setting his food down. She set an additional plate down with a slice of deep dish coconut cream pie.

"On the house Sir!" She smiled sweetly.

Hiromi's stomached clenched hearing her say that again. Her brother smirked looking at Hiro amused.

Satoshi cleared his throat and said, "Gotta dash. Don't want to make my Kaede worry. Can you close up for me?" He asked as he put his coat on. She nodded reassuring him.

"Nice meeting you Hiro, hope to see you soon again." Satoshi called before exiting with a knowing smirk.

'Looks like I just got his permission...?' Hiro was all to aware of how rare it was to have people take a liking to him. But he had other concerns now. Like how the bright blossom in front of him stared at him wondrously with a pink tint to her cheeks.

"So umm... by any chance, would you be up for that celebratory coffee now?" She asked with a small grin.

Hiro returned her smile, "I am free." He quipped.

Twenty minutes later, Miyuki switched on the alarms and locked her brothers diner up.

"You uhh... wanna see some old cases I cracked. The records and notes are at my place, if you're okay with that." He asked nervously, trying to toss an invite her way. Miyuki happily accepted.

"Yes! I'd love that OMG!" She exclaimed clapping excitedly.

Hiro made her walk on the inner part of the sidewalk, looking over at her excited tiny frame that bounced happily. A smile cracked on his lips, an action he hadn't done in so long.

Hiro held her hand and led her to his apartment.

"... I know right! My head swims and I can't do anything after a case. I just sit blank, usually tea helps." Hiro's voice carried in as he opened his apartment door.

She smiled sweetly at him but on the inside she was fangirling. Taking in his casual look and the way his fringe rested on his brow. She looked at his sculpted muscles that stuck to his hoodie.

Hiro was simply irresistible in every way to her. She tried to discreetly sniff him but ended up bumping into him, her face planted into his back when he halted in the lounge.

'Ahhh shit... keep it together... hold it down... Shit...' He thoughts rang out wildly, the first female touch he'd had in years. Her warm breath on his back made his tense and body coil tight.

Miyuki stepped back, face red like a berry.

"Sorry..." She mumbled, looking away shyly.

Hiromi bit his lower lip, chest tightening. She was so obvious and he found it cute and attractive. The obvious way she stared and tried to touch him was soothing to his lonely life.

He wanted to wrap his arms around her and hold her tight.

She sat down in the lounge and waited patiently for him, hands folded in her lap. He returned with a thick stack of papers, that he placed on the coffee table.

Sitting down next to her, Miyuki shivered at being so, so close to her one true crush.

Hiromi sniffed a breath and turned to ask her what she wanted to drink when he realised that the last time he shopped it was a different season. He mentally kicked himself.

The tension in the air became palpable, each of them more and more aware of the attraction they usually ignored at work.

He pulled out a specific case at the same time she reached over to look at something else. Their faces turned to meet, the gap between them so little.

Hiromi frowned for a second before carelessly flinging the file he held. He shifted, gripping her face and pulling it to his. Miyuki closed her eyes and waited, a second before she felt his plump warm lips brush over hers. The excitement enough to kill her.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and softly kissed back, pulling away to rest her forehead against his shyly.

"Couldn't help myself sor-" He began, but she cut him off.

"No, I don't mind." She admitted, pecking his lips again which led to another kiss between them.

♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎

The next few weeks at the office brightened remarkably for Hiro. He worked on cases with his team, specifically his Miyuki and ate dinner with her at night. They's meet up and talk about their cases or discuss his old cases and techniques to use in the courtroom.

Currently the office was closing up, ready for the long weekend and a good rest. Hiro called Miyuki in, keeping her away from the prying eyes of other male employees.

He shut his blinds and closed the door, sliding a hand around her waist and hauling her closer to him. He pressed his lips to hers and closed his eyes, reveling in her sweet taste.

She pushed lightly at his broad arms trying to wriggle away.

"Mr Higuruma, someone could see us. I have to go before-"

He flicked his fingers and unsnapped her bra through her shirt, Miyuki gasped at the feel of her bra loosening under her shirt.

"How do you plan on leaving now?" He smirked, swooping down and pressing a quick smooch to her lips.

Hiro placed his jacket around her and left hand in hand with her, twenty minutes later, once they were sure the office was empty.

He swung the door open to his apartment, the two rushed in. He slammed it shut with his heel and grabbed her, sealing his mouth over hers.

She grasped his forearms that held her face tenderly, rubbing her thumbs over the material of his white formal shirt.

Hiro stumbled back and sat them down on his sofa, Miyuki straddling his lap.

The two lawyers made out fervently. Jaws locked, tongues snaked around in a steamy embrace of its own.

Miyuki moaned into his mouth, eyes closed, savouring the moment.

"Sir..." She whispered, staring into his eyes.

"Ahgg say that again and you're done for missy." He threatened.

She smiled against his mouth,pulling away to whisper in his ear.

"Sir..." She moaned again, testing his limits.

"Don't. Don't test the willpower of a man who is practically hermit after being alone for so long." He warned, fingers holding her hips in a tight clasp.

"MmmMr Higuruma... Let's adjourn to the bedroom."

He carried them over to his room without another word, toppling both of them onto his bed, pinning her hands above her head.

"You've done it now..." He said between kisses he littered on her neck.

"I'll leave you begging for more... until you plead guilty." He rasped, skating his lips over her collar bone.

She struggled in his hold, wriggling free to rip his shirt open.
Her eyes raked over his torso, his abs, making her mouth water at the sight.

Biting her bottom lip suggestively and pulling him closer with her leg she trailed open mouthed kisses on his chest, moaning at the feel of his skin on her mouth.

Fifteen minutes later, Hiro peered up from between her parted legs, tongue swiping over his bottom lip.

"How do you plead?" He asked in a husky voice before sucking her pearl again.

"Ahhrrhhmm guilty!!! Sir I need more... please...." She moaned, writhing uneasily against him.

Hiro knelt between her fisting his hard, very eager cock with a strong hand. His long fingers and pronounced knuckles drawing her interest after having felt those digits in her not so long ago.

Hiro slammed in and sent her to heaven using short shallow thrusts. He slowly coaxed her release out of her, drawing it out.

Feeling his back tingle, he hid his fave on the crook of her shoulder as he came into her, groaning at how good it felt.

Hiro pulled out collapsing next to her, huffing out softly.

He woke up the next morning to find her pressed against his side, small palm resting on his abdomen while she lay deep asleep. He smiled to himself, taking in how perfect and natural this was.

He'd have expected her to leave or sleep with her back turned to him. Hiro found himself smiling genuinely a lot around her.

"I never mentioned this much but... you helped me solve my cold case of depression. Thanks for that." He told her later on at breakfast.

"I would never have left you like that. I hated seeing you walk around so gloomy." She answered back with a secretive smile.

"You knew!?"

She chuckled, eyes sparkling at how innocent he seemed.

"It was pretty obvious, besides do you not remember who used to strike conversation with you." She asked with a grin.

He munched on some cornflakes, concentrating in thought.

"Besides when assignments were handed out, I jumped to be on your team wanted to get to speak to you more..."

"Look at you... little matchmaker attorney."

"I never expected something like this to happen though." She commented shyly tucking her hair behind her ear.

Seven years later:

"...That's all, Your Honour."

"After considering all the evidence the defense has brought forth and the absence of alibi's from the prosecution, Mr Sasaki is cleared of all charges and will be released a free man. The case is closed. The court is adjourned!"

The defense team cheered, excited have won.

Hiromi sat at the back of the venue watching the entire case unfold, with pride in his eyes.

His wife had won her first case as a practising defense attorney.

After years of gaining experience and working with him she finally stepped out independently, to handle her own cases.

'Oooh a woman after my heart. Look at her go!' He thought impressed with how she carried out the case.

He was taken with the methods and approach she applied. He huffed a laugh out, the prosecution didn't stand a chance. She confidently strided forward and spoke up for what was right, just like he did.

She strided toward him with brisk excited steps, a huge grin on her face. Hiro met her half way, holding his arms out wide to inviting her in. He smiled and caught her in a tight embrace.

"Well done hunny, you were amazing." He said proudly, smacking a kiss on her cheek.

"I learnt from the very best, you know." She teased.

He led them out toward his car in the parking lot.

"I was wondering, would you like to perhaps go out for some coffee and celebrate?" He asked, repeating the same lines as he did years ago. She grinned, recognizing his tease.

"Hmm I'll have to check with my husband first. I am having lunch with him you see." She teased back. Hiro chuckled, loving her witty counter. He placed a kiss on her head affectionately. The both of them got into the car, Hiro driving off to the restaurant they had reservations at.

"Baby doing okay? Are you fine love?" He asked, placing a hand in her lap comfortingly. He rubbed his hand gently over the tiny bump at a traffic light while he waited for the light to change to green.

She smiled and nodded, "Mhm, can't wait to meet our little one in eight months time!" She chimed excitedly.

"Me too hunny. We'll go shopping for the nursery when you take your maternity leave." He said, smiling at her with a mix of love and admiration.

She was giving him the one thing he craved for so long. His own family, his own little world.

"Love you." He said winking at her.

"Love you more Mr Higuruma." She answered back, making them both chuckle.

♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️♥︎⚖️

Hiromi appreciation ♥

A/N: Credit to: arans.mind and all other artists and owners for images used.

I mentioned automatic firearms in this story and the use and access of it was purely fictional. It's illegal and difficult to have such guns in reality, it's more for military purposes.

🤷‍♀️ I did some research before writing.

⚠ I don't encourage or support the illegal and unlicensed use of such arms.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO): This organisation aims to create a set of specifications for various types of ammunition used by the armed forces of NATO member countries. Set standards for safety and uniformity are generalised by them. (Well in a nutshell.)

I hope you guys liked it, let me know what you feel.