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Keyla put her phone back in her pocket and sat back at the table, turning to Salva.

*Kojiro would be happy if I came along. He wouldn't have expected me to say no anyway* Keyla looked at Salva

*yeah sure, I also counted on your acceptance* again Salva smiled gently at her

*is Kojiro her boyfriend?* Salva's mother intervened again

*No, he's just a friend and one of my protégés from the national team* Keyla would have preferred to flee after all, but she wasn't allowed to show her vulnerability, Salva would only have gotten that

*Do you have a boyfriend at the moment?* Salva's mother was probably just speculating, but Salva now intervened

*yes she has mother, he is also a player and lives in Germany. He and Keyla are getting married in 6 weeks* Salva took a deep breath, and his mother noticed that too

*why are you so annoyed?* she didn't understand what was going on

*you're bombarding Key with questions and you don't realize she's uncomfortable. But in order not to hurt you, she answers them anyway* Salva looked at his mother seriously and Keyla couldn't shut her mouth either. She didn't know Salva that seriously. Apparently his mother had really challenged it, because she couldn't get a sound out and preferred to drink her coffee.

*It's ok* Keyla now smiled at Salva, who meant well

Keyla refilled her cup and sipped her coffee because there was silence, nobody dared to say anything. But Salva's mother spoke up again, it was over with the rest.

*And what are you up to today?* She looked questioningly at Keyla and then at Salva

*we have another game later* the questions were starting to annoy Salva too, he didn't know his mother that way. Had he known that beforehand, he would have spared Keyla. But she remained exceptionally calm.

*How's your husband?* Keyla looked at her closely now

*he always works on Saturdays, otherwise he's fine, thanks for asking* Salva's mother was surprised that Keyla now took the initiative and Salva also noticed that she had caught herself.

*is he still self-employed?* Keyla was hoping to avoid her questions that way, which should have occurred to her sooner

*yes he is, the business is going really well* Salva's mother also relaxed more and more

*Salva, when are you coming to visit us again?* his mother looked at him questioningly

*then when I have time? But why are you asking, you know that!?* Salva was confused because his mother never asked when he was coming over. The “interrogation” went on for a full 2 hours before his mother looked at her watch

*oh god it's so late, I've never been here for so long* Salva's mother got up to say goodbye to Keyla and her son. Salva walked her to the door, when he came back into the kitchen, Keyla took a deep breath

*did I survive it?* grinning, she got up and poked the completely overwhelmed Salva in the side

*I thought you were already running away after the 3rd question, but you fought bravely* Salva was laughing again now

*I'll make a quick call, I'll be right back* Keyla's fingers itched, she dialed Genzo's number. But for some inexplicable reason he didn't answer and Taro didn't reach her either.

*they really want to screw me* angry Keyla threw her cell phone on the couch

*What's the matter?* Salva saw that and looked at her in surprise

*neither Genzo nor Taro answer the phone. I don't believe that anymore* Keyla just shook her head. Another ring kept her from breaking anything because she was overcharged. Salva opened and Kojiro was now standing in the living room, who also saw that something wasn't right. He pulled Salva aside so Keyla wouldn't see.

*what's going on with Keyla?* he looked at him questioningly

*As far as I know, Genzo has not contacted me. Earlier he had tried to call her, but Keyla didn't want to jump immediately and neither Genzo nor Taro answered the phone* Salva tried to explain it as well as possible. Kojiro went into the living room, grabbed his phone and called Genzo, which he answered immediately

*hey Genzo

Keyla looked angrily at Kojiro, she couldn't believe it now.

...no Keyla is ok as far as I can tell

...why do you want to speak to her?

...I can ask her, wait a minute

*Genzo wants to talk to you* Kojiro looked at her questioningly

*tells him I'll call you from my cellphone* Keyla grabbed her phone and walked out the door

...I'm supposed to tell you, she'll call you right back

…understood

...bye

Keyla sat down on the steps in front of Salva's house. She stared at her phone, not knowing what to throw at Genzo. Taking 3 deep breaths, she decided to remain perfectly calm on the phone no matter what he had to say to her. She wouldn't sort it out over the phone, it was much better in person. She dialed his number and he answered after the first ring.

*hey

…no, everything is OK

...I angry? Oh why?

...you or Taro will have had your reasons

...so you had the full crash and slept till late today?

...well, as long as you still know what you did

...no Genzo, I don't feel like arguing on the phone

...I also went for a drink yesterday, but got up again at 9 to buy the dress. As you can see, if you want, you can

...so you haven't even looked at it yet?

...sour is not an expression at all

...because I don't want to argue on the phone, I just told you that before

...I'm sorry, I don't understand that at all. Especially since Taro came especially for that

... The main thing is that you had a nice evening

...I'm sorry, but I still have plans and I don't want to spoil the mood any more

…see you tomorrow

Keyla hung up, wanting to tear Genzo apart. And before she insulted him, she avoided it by hanging up. Completely annoyed, Keyla went back into the house. Salva and Kojiro both sat on the couch and looked at her questioningly

*you don't have to look like that* Keyla knew what they wanted, but she didn't want to talk about it

*do we want to get going? But then we're going to eat something, I'm hungry* Keyla was just about to turn away when she held Kojiro tight

*how you didn't eat anything, but you cooked?!* Kojiro looked at her closely

*Yes, I cooked for us, but when you absolutely didn't want to get up, I wasn't hungry anymore and went to Salva* Keyla broke free of Kojiro's grip. She grabbed her bag and looked at them expectantly, hoping they would both get up now, but neither Kojiro nor Salva moved. They prefer to look at them.

*Hey guys, do you need help getting up?* Keyla grinned, thinking back to how she'd brought the two of them home in the morning hours. The two might have gotten lost on their own. Finally they both got up and got ready.

The three only went to the game. Keyla cheered on her boys, who also won the game 3-0. Then the 3 went to eat something. After the meal, Keyla and Kojiro brought Salva home before the two ended the evening in front of the television. Kojiro quickly realized that Keyla needed to be cuddled because she leaned on his shoulder. Something was up with Genzo, but Keyla didn't want to talk about it. He put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him. She enjoyed his closeness and allowed the hug. Keyla fell asleep less than an hour later. Kojiro gave her a kiss on the forehead and got up carefully, he covered Keyla and went to bed himself.

The next morning it was Kojiro who woke up first. He made coffee and made breakfast. Keyla stood sleepily behind him.

*tomorrow handsome* yawning, Keyla sat down at the table. She wasn't really awake yet

*morning sweetheart, did you sleep well?* Kojiro placed her coffee in front of you

*good is different* Keyla stretched, everything hurt

*you could have come to bed if you were more comfortable* Kojiro sat down across from Keyla

*I wasn't even awake that night and as far as I know I don't sleepwalk either* grinning Keyla sipped her coffee knowing what Kojiro was getting at

*too bad, I could have just put you to bed. I should have come up with the idea yesterday* he too was now grinning at her

*you're not* Keyla giggled, knowing that even if he had come up with the idea, he wouldn't have just done it

*I'll take a shower first if you don't mind?!* Keyla stood up and kissed his cheek as he shook his head at the question

Keyla enjoyed the hot shower and the tension slowly eased. All she could think about was whether to call Genzo later or take a cab to go home. In the car she had a hard time avoiding him.

30 minutes later Keyla walked into the living room, freshly showered and made up, to find Kojiro on the phone. She tried to be as quiet as possible and sat down next to him. But Keyla pricked up his ears because Kojiro consciously mentioned her name, she could guess who was on the phone. She got up with a sigh, she needed coffee. She didn't even want to know what Genzo wanted and why the hell was he dragging Kojiro into this?! Keyla was leaning against the living room door with her coffee and watching Kojiro, who was trying to tell Genzo that she wasn't there to talk to him. And above all, he wouldn't know where she was, after all he wasn't her minder. Keyla relaxed again next to Kojiro, because now she knew that he wouldn't just pass the phone on. Kojiro was getting more and more annoyed and tried to get rid of Genzo. The relationship chaos was too much for him, because after all it was about Keyla. He had enough trouble getting away from her himself without needing Genzo to remind him that she was getting married soon. Keyla looked at Kojiro, who grabbed his phone and just hung up. She didn't want to watch it anymore, she knew how Kojiro felt for her and that Genzo would only torment him. Genzo called again, Keyla grabbed the phone and answered it without saying anything, Genzo immediately ranted why Kojiro had just hung up.

*that was me and not Kojiro

...maybe because I didn't want to talk to you?

...stop dragging him into this

...and I told you I'm not going to work this out on the phone

...sorry but I have to pack, see you later

Keyla hung up and handed his phone to Kojiro.

*sorry he bothered you about me* Keyla looked at Kojiro sadly

*It's ok, I didn't have to answer the phone* He kissed her on the forehead and stood up. Keyla saw that he was not feeling well and ran after him. She grabbed his arm and turned him to face her.

*I can see that you're not feeling well* She pulled Kojiro to her and hugged him

*thanks Key* he whispered in her ear

*not for that, what are friends for* Keyla pulled away from him and looked into his eyes before hugging him again

*I have to pack* Keyla didn't really want it to end but she had to, her plane left in less than 2 hours.

*I know, do you need help?* Kojiro looked at her but Keyla waved her off, she managed that on her own

Keyla packed her things, drank a relaxed coffee with Kojiro and waited for Salva, who wanted to say goodbye. As soon as her cup was empty, the doorbell rang as if on command and Salva was standing in front of the door. Keyla went down with Kojiro.

She hugged Salva and gave him a kiss on the cheek

*thanks for the good time* Keyla smiled at him

*not for that, I hope we'll see each other again soon* Salva looked at her expectantly

*definitely, let's see sooner than you think* while she looked at Kojiro, who knew what Keyla was getting at. Because the discussion with Genzo was imminent.

Keyla got into Kojiro's car, who drove her to the airport. The two carried the ride over but only small talk. Arrived at the airport, Keyla said goodbye to him with an intense hug. She didn't really want to go back, but she had to. And she knew that by the time she got there, Taro would be gone. He hadn't contacted Keyla until now.

Keyla's plane landed after 2 hours, she got into a taxi in front of the airport and drove home. But Genzo wasn't there, Keyla thought at first that he was at the airport taking Taro away. But when he still wasn't there after 3 hours, she got mad.

She had completely forgotten to write to Kojiro, so she made up for it

*hey handsome, sorry for getting back to you so late. I'm fine and at home*Key

*It's ok, I'm glad to hear that you're doing well. If you want to talk just call no matter what time it is*Ko

*I thank you for the offer. I'm waiting for Genzo first, he wasn't there when I got home* Key

*I'm sorry for you sweetie. I hope the best for you* Ko

Keyla wasn't actually angry, she was disappointed. Genzo knew when she was coming back, he even knew the exact time. It was only 5 p.m., but Keyla couldn't take it anymore, she went to bed. She kept wondering what had happened that made Genzo treat her like this. She had expected something different from Taro in particular. She finally fell asleep in tears. When she woke up around 2am, Genzo was lying calmly next to her and asleep. Keyla would have liked to wake him up and confront him, but she didn't have the strength to do that at the moment. She grabbed her bedding and retreated to the guest room. After tossing and turning for 1 hour, she finally fell asleep again.

At 8 her cell phone alarm rang, she had to get ready. Keyla briefly went to the bathroom and then to the kitchen to make coffee. Keyla stood thoughtfully by the coffee machine when Genzo hugged her from behind and planted a kiss on her cheek. Everything in Keyla tightened and tears welled up in her. She broke out of his embrace and sat down at the table. She stared at her coffee.

*can we talk?* Genzo sat down across from her and looked at her

*what is there to talk about?* Keyla didn't feel like talking about anything right now. She was still fighting with herself to keep from collapsing.

*don't you want to know why I didn't get in touch?* Genzo was still looking at her questioningly

*honestly? No, I don't want to know and I don't want to know why you weren't there yesterday either, and I don't want to know either why Taro hasn't contacted me anymore. I'm fed up and just want to drink my coffee and then drive to work* Keyla vented. Genzo hadn't thought Keyla would be so angry. He knew her as a person who understood everything, but he had probably gone too far now. Keyla drank her coffee and then got ready. She would drive her car, either Genzo was ready and would drive with him or he was unlucky, she wouldn't ask. Secretly, Keyla had hoped he wouldn't make it, but he got there in time and got in with Keyla. She didn't speak a single word to him.

Arrived at the training Keyla withdrew and did some paperwork. When Sister injured herself, she had to be on the pitch, willy-nilly. But that was a job of 5 minutes, after which he was reasonably fit again. Keyla sat down on the bench and waited for the trainer to finish the training. Keyla could have been mean and gone home because Genzo still had to change. Even though he didn't deserve it, she was waiting for him. He thought in turn that Keyla had done it to show her goodwill. But she disappointed him and again didn't say a word. When she got home, she picked up the phone and called Taro, or at least she tried, because he still wouldn't answer. Keyla threw her cell phone away in frustration, Genzo noticed that too. He tried to get close, which Keyla noticed and was not at all enthusiastic about.

*what do you want?* Keyla took a step back and looked at Genzo seriously

*if you would let me finish, you would know what's going on and why Taro isn't answering* Genzo spoke in a more serious tone now too. Keyla turned away and walked towards the kitchen, where she supported herself with both hands on the kitchen table. Her tears rolled down her face. Genzo stood behind his Keyla and turned her around to face him.

*Honey, Taro is in the hospital* Genzo actually wanted to teach Keyla as gently as possible, but she didn't give him any other choice, at that moment she just stared at him

*We were in the bar on Friday, Taro had an argument with someone. And when we were in town on Saturday, we bumped into the guy from the bar. He didn't hesitate and beat Taro up. I intervened, but I couldn't prevent it.* Genzo stopped and waited for a reaction from Keyla, but she was unable to say anything, the shock was too deep. And she didn't even know about it.

*Honey I didn't want you to cut short the weekend in Italy so I didn't tell you. And that's why I wasn't at home yesterday, I was with Taro in the hospital* Genzo hugged the shocked Keyla. The understood slowly why Taro had not reported more. But the fact that no one had informed her made her angry. Her tears ran without being able to prevent it. Keyla broke away from Genzo.

*which hospital?* was the only thing she could get out.

*that in Altona* Genzo could imagine what Keyla was up to, because she grabbed her car key. Arriving at the car, Genzo stood between Keyla and the car door and demanded her key. It was impossible for him to let her go like that, because tears were still running down her cheeks. Genzo pushed Keyla towards the passenger door and let her get in. Genzo got in and drove to the hospital with Keyla. She was still crying, out of anger, out of desperation. She still couldn't believe that no one told her.

Arriving at the hospital, Keyla got out and ran to the hospital, where she stopped and turned to Genzo.

*What room number?* Keyla practically yelled at Genzo in desperation, even though that wasn't her intention at all

*402* as soon as Genzo said that, Keyla was already gone. She knew her way around the hospital and knew which rooms were where. She desperately pushed the elevator, but it didn't come fast enough, so Keyla ran up the stairs to the 4th floor. Completely out of breath, she stormed into Taro's room and collapsed on his bed in despair. Taro's head was bandaged and his face was heavily marked. And he was unconscious. She didn't know if it was from the medication or if he was maybe in a coma. Beside him were 2 monitors monitoring his vital signs. Keyla held Taro's hand and cried bitterly. Genzo also came into the room, stood behind Keyla and put his hands on her shoulders. Keyla couldn't think straight anymore, she had her eyes closed and her forehead was resting on the back of Taro's hand.

*why him?* she sobbed

Keyla couldn't stop, she was crying and couldn't help it. Genzo was powerless too, but he was there for her when she needed him. Just then a nurse came in to check on Taro, Keyla noticed her. She stood up resolutely and looked at the sister seriously.

*what about him?* Keyla wiped the tears from her face with the back of her hand

*he has a severe craniocerebral trauma...* the nurse spoke rather hesitantly

*and he might not wake up, right?* Keyla finished the sentence, knowing what that meant, but apparently the nurse didn't dare to say it

*yes* that's all the sister didn't get out either, because she realized that Keyla knew exactly what that could mean. Genzo was shocked, because even he hadn't known that. Keyla turned back and knelt again next to Taro's bed and took his hand.

*you have to wake up again, little brother. Do you hear, you mustn't give up* Keyla was desperate

She knew Taro was strong and she hoped he would survive and not suffer any permanent damage. In the worst case, that could destroy his entire football career. She even started to pray, which she had never done in her life.

Keyla had a nervous breakdown, Genzo got a nurse who brought a doctor with her. They took her away and gave her a sedative shot so that she fell asleep. A sister came back to Taro's room.

*Mr. Wakabayashi? Her friend has been given a sedative and will sleep for the next few hours if they want to see her, she's in 406* and the sister has disappeared again. Genzo stayed with Taro for another hour before going over to Keyla and sitting by her bed.

*Man Key, what are you doing?* Genzo shook his head, it's never been that bad. He was now worried about Taro and Keyla, because she had to get through this first.

3 hours later Keyla woke up and sat in bed straight away

*I have to go to Taro* Genzo couldn't look that quickly, Keyla was already standing next to him on the way to Taro. Genzo grabbed her wrist and pulled her into his arms. She immediately started crying again and hugged him tightly. When Keyla broke away from him, she looked at him with tears in her eyes

*do his parents know?* Keyla glared at Genzo, who denied

*I don't have his parents' number*

*I have to go to him* Keyla pulled Genzo with her into Taro's room, she discovered his things in the closet, including his mobile phone

*Crap the battery is almost empty. I need a charging cable, when it's gone it's no longer of any use to us, because only he knows the PIN* Keyla looked at Genzo, who knew what to do and went home to get his. He kissed Keyla and was gone. She hoped he would make it in time before it ran out. She stopped playing with it and put it aside.

20 minutes later Genzo came into the room and already held out the cable to Keyla. She plugged in the cell phone. She took her cell phone out of her pocket and wrote down Taro's father's number.

*Please stay with Taro, I'll make a quick phone call* Keyla was already doing everything as if in a trance, because she still couldn't really understand it. When she got outside, she dialed his father's number, and he actually answered

*Mr. Misaki?

...I'm Keyla, Taro's best friend

...I really don't want to worry you, but Taro is in the hospital

…he was beaten up, could you please come to Germany?

...it's in Hamburg Altona

...yes, that's my number

...ok Genzo, my friend will pick you up then

...would you perhaps also tell his mother about it?

...thank you, get in touch if you know when you can be here

…Thank you very much