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#8 Puzzling Demeanor
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #9 Small Chance
Akiko bowed, slipped off her shoes, and stepped into the house, almost tiptoeing to avoid making any noise. She had to be careful because she was coming home very late. The restaurant where she had applied for a job had only been willing to interview her after nightfall, waiting for the owner to arrive. Of course, Akiko had recklessly waited, as it was the only restaurant left.Luckily, her efforts were not in vain. She was also offered a job at the restaurant. With that, Akiko officially had two jobs: one at the supermarket and another as a waitress at the restaurant. Although both were menial jobs, at least by working at two places simultaneously, Akiko had hope of saving money more quickly. Akiko had calculated her income in enormous detail during her journey home earlier and estimated that within the next three or four months, she would have enough money to rent a modest apartment and start her new life.Though three or four months was long, Akiko had to accept it because she ha
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #10 My New Life
“AAGHH!” Akiko screamed, covering her face with her hands and shaking her head, not wanting to accept the kiss. But Kenji grabbed both of Akiko's hands and pulled them away from her face."What more could you expect from that family? I already told you to stay here and forget about them! Am I not enough?" Kenji's voice softened, but Akiko was already too scared, and her body trembled even more.With a final act of desperation, Akiko shook off Kenji's hands and managed to free herself. Kenji was drunk, so his grip wasn't strong. Akiko easily pushed Kenji aside. Without looking back, Akiko ran as fast as she could to her room and shut the door.Panting, Akiko crumbled once more. She sat down, hugging herself, trying to calm her trembling body and hold back the sobs that were almost escaping her lips. "Why..." Finally, the sobs came with tears.Akiko felt so alone, and the world seemed so terrifying. It was the same feeling she had when she saw Yuto remain silent and Kaede say cruel th
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #11 Losing One Job
"Shokuji o tanoshinde." (Enjoy your meal.)Akiko bowed and then stepped back with a smile on her face, adjusting the kimono she was wearing. The outfit was a bit troublesome because Akiko wasn't used to it, but the kimono was a requirement for her job at the restaurant.The restaurant's uniform was chosen because it had a classic theme, serving authentic traditional Japanese cuisine with decor that strongly evoked the atmosphere of ancient Japan.At first, Akiko had doubts about whether she could do the job, as her only experience wearing a kimono was during a few summer festivals she had attended with Rie.But after two days and some tips from the other waitstaff at the restaurant, Akiko quickly adapted and could now perform her tasks smoothly—even running while wearing the kimono without messing up its shape. Akiko also enjoyed the work environment at the restaurant. It was so busy that she quickly forgot about the miserable aspects of her real life."Akiko, please bring this to roo
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #12 And Another One
"What happened to your hand?" As they passed each other near the kitchen, Kenji noticed Akiko's bandaged index finger."A cut from a broken cup," Akiko said as briefly as possible, then bowed and quickly fled. She was en route to work at the station. Of course, Akiko hurried out, trying to prevent Kenji from asking further questions or getting any ideas about stopping her.She already regretted waking up late that morning, likely due to crying for so long the previous night. Losing one of her jobs had nearly driven Akiko back to the brink of despair.But now, Akiko had regained her resolve for the day. She deliberately took the morning shift at the convenience store so she would have free time later to look for another job. Akiko might try asking at another restaurant or store. She wouldn’t give up on just one job. She didn’t want to extend her stay at Kenji’s place any longer. Akiko had a new goal: to sleep soundly in her own apartment soon.Over the past few weeks of living with Ken
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #13 A New Light
Kenji sat on a shiny, dark leather chair, his expression blank, staring at the two people bowing before him. However, Kenji's silence only made the two of them appear even more anxious. They knew that a silent Kenji was more dangerous than a talking one.“Which one of you injured her hand?” After a prolonged silence, Kenji finally posed the question. The two people in front of him grew increasingly nervous, exchanging glances. His question only poured fear into their mounting anxiety.“I... I did, Sandaime” (Third Generation Leader).The man with a tattoo on his cheek answered hesitantly, bowing again.“Yamada? What did you do to her?” Kenji leaned his head back, now focusing solely on Yamada.“I kicked a piece of a broken cup, but the girl was holding it. Her hand was cut as a result." Yamada explained, bowing even deeper—more than ninety degrees.Kenji lowered his crossed legs, sighing. The small movement made Yamada recoil, terrified of what Kenji might do. But Kenji did nothing un
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #14 A Better Job
To tidy herself up, Akiko smoothed her clothes. She had done this several times since she first noticed the appearance of the Shingi Fusaya Real Estate office.Akiko worried about her appearance, realizing that the company was much larger than she had imagined. The information she had found on the internet yesterday was incomplete.The company occupied a five-story building in Tokyo's main business district, where the land and property prices were undoubtedly very high. Shingi's ability to occupy an entire building meant that he was truly powerful. This work environment would be vastly different from working at a convenience store or a restaurant, as she had before. Akiko felt out of place when she first arrived.However, when she showed the interview letter in the lobby earlier, it was confirmed that she was in the right place. The letter was acknowledged, and Akiko was quickly escorted to the HR department on the third floor for her interview. The interview itself was also differen
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #15 You're Suspicious
“Didn’t you input the data here yesterday? This house isn’t considered expensive.” Akiko pointed to another folder, helping Riko, who looked confused.“Ahh…” Riko sighed deeply, then opened the folder Akiko had indicated, and, of course, finally found the data on the house in front of them.“Impressive. You’re learning quickly,” Riko praised. Akiko smiled shyly but was pleased to hear it.“I thought this house would be considered expensive given its size,” Riko said as he opened the data on his tablet.Akiko had already moved on, starting to measure the width of the gate. She bent down and carefully noted the measurements. Fieldwork was indeed part of her new job. Luckily, for outdoor activities like this, Shinigi provided black pants as part of the uniform.Akiko had initially been puzzled when she imagined having to work outside in that short skirt. When she saw that pants were included in the uniform she received, Akiko liked her new office even more. This was clearly reflected in
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #16 A Little Memory
"Excuse me, but what do you mean by saying that?" Akiko stood up and stared at Mori.Of course, Akiko understood exactly what Mori meant. This wasn't the first time Mori had said something like that. Akiko still remembers the conversation between Mori and the HR woman yesterday. Her presence was suspicious.But Akiko would not accept insults because she really hadn't done anything unusual. She was here because she had been summoned. She didn't know how or by whom she had been called. And clearly, Akiko felt she had worked very hard to catch up and learn. Hard work was no straightforward task."You heard what I said, didn’t you? You don't belong here...""Sorry, but why do you think I'm not a suitable fit? Have I made any mistakes in the past few weeks? Is there a poor performance on my record?"Akiko was bold because she knew her work was nearly flawless. Akiko might have made mistakes in her first week of training, but they were minor. After that, Akiko guaranteed everything was pe
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Do You Love Me, Uncle? #145 I'll Make It Perfect For You
"What's wrong?" Akiko grew more curious as she watched Kenji lower his head and cover his face with his hands."Sorry, just a moment." Kenji needed to calm himself. The fear he felt earlier was real. He had braced himself for Akiko's complaining of pain, clearly worried about her post-surgery scars.But Akiko was completely calm. A small ray of hope emerged amidst all the darkness that enveloped him."Are you okay?" Akiko asked again, gently touching Kenji's hand, which slowly loosened its grip."Yes, I'm fine. Everything is fine." Kenji smiled, causing Akiko's heart to race again. She reflexively covered Kenji's mouth."Don't smile like that," Akiko complained. Kenji raised his eyebrows in question."Just don't."Kenji found the request odd, but he nodded. Only then did Akiko release her hand, exhaling with a sense of relief."What's wrong with my smile? Is it scary?" Kenji didn’t think he had made a scary face, but Ryu
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #144 Sensitive Issue
Akiko stared at Kenji as he walked in, once again placing a hand on her chest. She felt abnormal, her heart racing with excitement.Or maybe it was the man who wasn’t normal. Akiko couldn't imagine how she had married someone so... handsome.Akiko admitted it. Ryu, who had been with her earlier, was handsome, sweet, and had a clean face. Kenji’s face was the complete opposite.Kenji was handsome, but not sweet, and he looked rugged with stubble that seemed a few days old. But that wild side of him was driving her crazy. Akiko felt her stomach suddenly warm as those dark eyes looked at her.She wanted to look away—unable to withstand the excessive charm—but decided to keep looking. It would be strange to turn away so suddenly. After all, they were husband and wife. Akiko wanted to get used to looking at that face quickly.“Are you feeling dizzy?” As he sat beside Akiko, he naturally reached out to touch her
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #143 She Loved You Before
"Is this going to be permanent?" As soon as Kenji and Hayashi left the room, he asked his question.Hayashi ran a hand through his white hair, and the lines on his forehead deepened."The answer is, I don't know." Hayashi gave his honest reply with a long sigh.If not for the fact that Hayashi had done so much to help Akiko recover, Kenji might have snapped at him for his unhelpful response.It was Hayashi's job to diagnose Akiko's condition, not to be unsure. It was Kenji's responsibility not to be in the dark."Maybe this answer won't satisfy you," Hayashi said, noticing how Kenji was struggling to contain his emotions."However, I am unable to provide a definitive response. The neurologist who worked with me on Akiko's case before diagnosed her as unable to function normally, but after therapy restored her motor skills, her ability to remember and understand things slowly returned. When it comes to Akiko's condition, nothing is set in sto
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #142 Everything Is Strange
Akiko followed Hayashi's flashlight beam, moving left and right with ease. There was no problem at all."What do you feel?" Hayashi asked with a friendly smile. Akiko looked at him. He was a kind and gentle doctor."Dizzy." Akiko had felt a sharp pain in her head when she tried to sit up earlier, but now it had eased significantly. That was her only physical complaint. As for her thoughts—Akiko couldn’t explain them."Of course you feel dizzy. You have a head injury."Akiko appreciated the doctor's warmth as he gently explained. She then touched the bandage on her head with a confused expression."What happened to me? Did I fall?" Akiko inquired, hoping for a quick explanation.But the doctor didn’t answer immediately. Akiko caught him glancing at one of the men standing on the opposite side of the bed. The man nodded.Akiko understood instantly that Hayashi had just sought permission. The doctor was seeking permissi
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #141 He's Your Husband
Kenji's thoughts immediately pointed to her. Only Karin could have come up with such a cunning plan, with the intent to hurt Akiko.After all, who else knew about the relationship between him and Akiko besides Karin? Kenji doubted his father would resort to such cowardly methods. His father had already shown his way yesterday—an attack from the front, forceful if necessary."I think we were wrong. Karin isn't interested in the Nakamura fortune. She's doing everything she can to hurt Akiko." Kenji corrected his earlier assumption that Karin was merely being materialistic when she tricked him. "Everything she's done since the beginning has hurt Akiko.""Why though? Why would she hate her own niece?" Ryu scratched his head, looking confused.It wasn't a question that Kenji needed to answer. Aside from not knowing the reason, Kenji didn’t care. What mattered was that Karin had hurt Akiko.Before this, Kenji could still forgive everything Kari
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #140 The Culprit
But Kenji's burden gradually lessened as he saw a smile spread across Hayashi's lips.“It worked. Everything was successfully retrieved. And Akiko's condition is very stable,” Hayashi said, giving a thumbs-up.Kenji let out a sigh of relief, but he knew his relief was premature.“How…”“I’ve requested that the biopsy be done as soon as possible, but it will still take at least a day. Be patient. Stay with Akiko when she wakes up. Huh, what happened to your face?” Hayashi inquired, noting Kenji's bruised and battered face.“Something happened, but it's over now,” Kenji responded vaguely. He might hear the full story later about the earlier commotion, but Kenji wasn’t too concerned. Kuryugumi usually had a team to clean up any public disturbances.Hayashi squinted at Kenji's face before patting his shoulder. “Take care of those wounds. But I must go. I’m not as youn
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #139 Give Me Time
"Then obey. I've allowed you to do as you please all this time."Masaki looked at Kenji, who was bowing before him, shaking his head. He had watched Kenji grow, and of course, he knew that Kenji rarely begged anyone for anything.Seeing Kenji bowing always surprised him. This was the second time Masaki had seen Kenji in such a position. And for the same reason—that weak girl."I will obey and follow your orders—whatever you want. But not with Akiko," Kenji said, pressing his forehead to the ground. Masaki sighed and shook his head. He couldn’t understand why Kenji was so stubborn."Get up," Masaki ordered. Kenji raised himself, but he remained kneeling."You make me seem like a villain when everything I've done has been to protect you, not to be cruel to you," Masaki said, resting his head on his hand while watching Kenji, who was now staring at the grass."Can't you want something else? She’s just a woman. There are
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #138 She's Sick Again
"Do you really want to commit a massacre out in the open?" Masaki shouted, and Kenji finally lowered the katana in his hand.He was a little disappointed that no blood had been spilled. He could kill, but not in front of so many witnesses. A rule that Kenji found bothersome.As Masaki was pushed closer to him, Kenji bowed and glanced at the unfamiliar face behind his father. He might be significantly older than Masaki. However, he appeared more robust and healthy.Kenji was a bit puzzled. If his father wanted to replace Matsuda, he should have picked someone younger, not someone as old as this. Kenji wasn't convinced that this man could lift his father in an emergency.But now wasn’t the time to question Masaki's decision. The veins around Masaki’s neck bulged as he held back his anger."Are you trying to fight me again?! Do you care more about that boy than my words?!" Masaki snapped."I've followed your words," Kenji replied po
Do You Love Me, Uncle? #137 I'll Fight You
Minute by minute, Kenji’s time spent outside the operating room felt like a nightmare—a terrible nightmare.Kenji had never felt this desperate before. He had to endure it for nearly three hours. In addition to the weight of all the risks, Kenji's attention was now fixed on the biopsy results.Hayashi mentioned this possibility yesterday. This is the worst possible outcome for Akiko's condition.Kenji slumped into the chair, closing his eyes, trying with all his might to follow Hayashi's advice not to overthink it.Hayashi had even laid out a very detailed treatment plan this morning to assure Kenji that, whatever the outcome, it didn’t mean a dead end. But Kenji didn’t want to let that possibility enter his mind. The treatment might offer a chance of recovery, but only a chance—not a certainty. That uncertainty planted an ever-growing darkness in Kenji’s mind, rooting deeply.*DRTT!*Kenji jerked as his phone vibrated and immedi
