"Hai, douzo." (Yes, here.)

"Arigato," I said after I received the items I bought from this convenience store. (Thanks.)

It's been three years since I moved here to Chiba. Everything seems to be doing well.

"Mare, ambagal mo naman!" Here comes my friend, na puro reklamo. Well, that's one thing I like about her, di nawawalan ng sasabihin.

"Hindi ka sana nag-antay." I said in a flat tone, I even rolled my eyes on her.

The bitch did the same.

"Kung hindi lang ako takot sa mga malilibog na Hapon na 'to, kanina pa kita iniwan."

Yup, sexual harassment is still a thing here in Japan. And, this girl was a victim.

Hindi nalang ako kumibo, and we continue our walk to our apartment.

It's a ten-minute walk, kung bakit ba naman kasi ngayon pa hindi gumana ang microwave namin, at kung bakit din ba kasi ito ang pinaka-malapit na convenience store sa apartment namin.

In the middle of our walk, I noticed Kelly acting a little odd. Nakailang siko na siya sa akin, and I know why.

Someone is following us.

I noticed him since we step outside the store, I definitely want to go back in the store but this gullible bitch won't budge.

I typed something on my phone to text her.

Me: We're turning left on the next corner.

Kelly: Hindi yun ang daan papuntang apartment.

Me: That's the point.

We both turned left when we reached the nearest corner. And, no one will guess it right.

Yeah, the guy keeps on following us. He also took the left side. What. the. actual. fuck.

Kelly and I looked at each other, spooked.

Now, she's calling her fiance, who in the first place didn't know na lumabas kami.

"Yup, please, dalian mo."

"No more questions, love. I turned on my location, please."

I heard her plead and then turned off the call.

"I am fucking scared." She whispered while looking at me, her eyes watered as she hold my hand shaking.

"We'll be okay." I assure her.

We continued walking until we reached a traditional house on the other side of the street.

I figured we can ask for help here. Since probably old people are living here.

"Konbanwa," I said as I pressed the intercom. (Good evening.)

"Haitte mo ii desu ka. Darekaga watashi tachi o foro shite imasu."

(Can we come in? Someone is following us.)

"Onegaishimasu." I added pleadingly. (Please.)

To our surprise, a man wearing a black suit opened the gate.

"Dozo, haitte kudasai." The man said as he closed the door behind us. (Please, come in.)

"Kou-san, someone should follow the guy."

A voice from the garden echoed. A voice that I am very familiar with.

"Right away, Sir." the man wearing a black suit replied and quickly walked past us while calling someone.

I follow the direction where the man is leading just to not look at the guy who ordered him.

"OMG! I almost peed myself coz of fear."

This bitch, ang ingay.

"I am assuming you can understand English, Sir? Thank you so much, you literally saved our lives." My friend Kelly enunciates as she admires the guy.

"Yeah, you're welcome." He briefly said.

I can feel his eyes on me. I inhaled, took all my courage and then looked at him, and then plastered a small smile.

"Thank you, we really appreciate it." I said, and then quickly took my eyes off him.

"Don't worry, my fiance will be here soon. We are sorry for causing you trouble." Kelly said politely.

He started walking toward us. With every step he takes, I feel like I am losing my breath. I know he is looking at me while I pretend to use my damn phone.

"It's okay. Although, I can also give you guys a ride to your home." He said two meters apart from where we are standing.

"That would be so nice of you. But, we will be fine walking with my fiance." Kelly politely turned down his offer.

Kelly's phone rings. It's probably her fiance. She distanced herself as she answered her phone.

"It's been a while, Amelia." His voice made me shiver. He gone cold. Colder than he was before.

I just looked at him, not knowing what to say.

"What? Cat got your tongue?" He asked, slightly sounding sarcastic.

I didn't respond and just looked at where Kelly was standing. Hoping she will finish what she's doing.

Pero, hindi. Kung kailan kailangan ko ang kadaldalan niya saka siya matagal.

"So, you won't pay attention to me?" He asked me, looking pissed.

"Why would I? It's not like we have something to talk about." I replied dismissing any topic he wanted to discuss.

"Oh? Really? Seems like your friend will be picked up by her fiance. How about you? Where's that guy you cheated with while we were still together?" He asked, looking stern. It's like he's implying that I should answer his question.

"What are you talking about?" Answering him with a question.

I cheated? I couldn't remember having any relationship other than him.

"Amelia, Train is outside. Let's go?" She asked, and I quickly nod.

"Thank you so much, Sir. We really appreciate you letting us in. We're going home. Goodbye." Kelly said, and then we both made a little bow to show respect.

When we reached Train he quickly hugged Kelly.

"Why are you girls in there? Are you both okay? I thought you were chased by a stranger. What are you doing inside the property of a Yakuza?" Train asked continuously, sounding worried while dragging her far from that house. And, of course, I followed them.

"Yakuza?" I absentmindedly asked.

"Yup, they are well known here."