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CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX: FRONT LINE.
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2021-03-18 00:13:18Exiting the elevator of my apartment building, I make my way to the entrance where Assistant Hugh escorts me to the car waiting outside. He's quieter than normal today so I can tell he's nervous. Stopping as he opens the door for me, I turn to face him, patting his shoulder.
"You can stop worrying." I offer him a reassuring smile and he hesitates before returning it, his adam's apple bobbing nervously.
"Of course, Young Master, I just..." Stepping towards him, I squeeze his shoulders softly.
"We've come this far Hugh, let's just finish this."
"But..."
"I know. I'll be fine, so let's kick his ass for Irving shall we?" His slumped shoulders straighten a bit and he nods decisively.
"Let's." Smiling we get into the car.
"Let's stop by to see Monroe first."
"Of course. Also, these are the documents you asked the Vice Head for last night."
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Her soft steps echo through the empty hallway as I lead the way to her apartment. Since leaving the Academy, we haven’t spoken a word to each other and the awkward silence between us has only gotten heavier. The feeling of not being trusted enough resonates through my entire body, my every step feeling as though I was walking through quicksand. I understand she had her reasons for her choice but I hated the bitter feeling I felt at the way she handled it, knowing that it left me in a difficult position and I'd have no choice but to accept. I never thought I’d feel like this ever again. Why didn’t she tell me? A life-altering decision and like everyone else I hear it through a mic surrounded by strangers? I knew she had to do something to combat her fathers' plan and I respected her decision to fight him head-on but why couldn’t she tell me? Recalling her conversation with Hughes on Friday, I know that’s when she made her decision.The entire weekend and she told me,
Last Updated : 2021-03-18SILENCE CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT: MAGIC TRICKS.
Sighing as my alarm goes off, I strut into the bathroom, my every step unsteady. Having not slept a wink all night, my body feels heavy. His words from yesterday, still ringing in my head. ‘I love you.’ He’d said it and my heart sank. Not because of the words but the look in his eyes. He’d looked truly hurt. That look in his eyes was my doing. Guilt tugged at every inch of me and no matter the reasons I came up with for not telling him, it ultimately ended with his words... trust. I didn’t trust him. I shivered slightly and only then did I realize; the shower temperature was on cold.“Fuck...” turning the lever all the way the water became too hot, and I gasp jumping backing, slipping and knocking my wrist on the tub.“Jesus! I know I fucked up but give me a break, will you? Fuck me!” Exiting the bathroom, my ringtone bellowed through the room surprising me and I jumped backwards, knocking into the dresser. Picking it up I see Hughes’ ID and sigh.
Last Updated : 2021-03-21SILENCE CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE: A BROTHERS LOVE.
Exiting the bedroom I’m greeted by the pale man sat at the breakfast table. Unlike his sister's fair complexion from her mother, he was pale in comparison.“August.” I greet him and he hesitates briefly before replying.“Hello.” Giving me a warm smile, he beckons for me to sit. Setting a plate for myself, I sit opposite him and we eat in silence. I must say, in the silent department, they truly are siblings. The silence drifts over us for the entire duration of our meal until a throat clears and I look up to find him staring at me.“Yes?”“What happened?”“Huh?”“I saw her interview. Then all of a sudden you show up here at damn near midnight?” He says raising a quizzical brow at me and I sigh. Definitely related. Putting down my fork, I lean back in my chair, meeting his eyes.“She’s decided to take on your father head-on. Hence her withdrawal from The Academy as a
Last Updated : 2021-03-21SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY: WHEN THE SKY FALLS.
Sighing as I enter the silent apartment, I shrug my jacket off and head to the kitchen. I need alcohol. A lot of it. I needed to get drunk. Despite the amount I'd consumed with Father and Wil, I needed more. Walking past the sofa I nearly jump out of my skin my the silhouette framed by darkness.“Hmm... for fuck’s sake! Don’t just sit in the dark like that!” Pinching my nose, I opt for taking two beers from the fridge instead of Sake and move to sit next to August.“Did your talk not go well?” He questioned, taking the beer.“Nah, it went well. Just... you know.” I replied, shrugging.“Yeah.” We sit in the silence of the hotel penthouse, the only noise, the soft whistle of the early morning breeze coming from the slightly ajar balcony door.“Are you ready for tomorrow?”“No.” The nervousness in his voice made me smile. I knew what he was worried about. I knew what he referred to in
Last Updated : 2021-03-24SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE: SHIELDS UP.
The hushed chatter of the students filling the halls cascade around me as I head to the main office. It felt weird walking the halls; not as a student. Huh... Looking up I’m greeted by the numbers of his classroom. Biology. Two-Three. Sighing, I turn around and head in the opposite direction. Snap out of it, he’s not here. I knew he didn’t abandon me. I knew it, yet, I still couldn’t help feeling his absence. I hated this feeling. August. Nan. I felt his absence as he’d been with me since the beginning and not just a few months. His question still played broken in my head.‘Do you know what you're going to do after this stupid game Atlas?’ No. I hadn’t thought that far ahead before. Winning. Getting Nans villa back. That’s where my goals had stopped.'What do you want to do with your life Atlas?' I’d wanted for nothing. My life had never ever really been my own and I’d never really seen it differently. Why would you ask me questions I didn’t know th
Last Updated : 2021-03-24SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO: BATTLE OF AGES.
Left in my own silence once more, my thoughts wander back to him. It’s been three days since I last saw or spoke to him and since reporters have been camping outside my apartment I’ve been staying at his. I hope he’s okay. Stupid Yuzuki. Leaving without saying goodbye. What did he mean about putting him in a predicament with my decision? I realise that by saying I was being independent, I acted selfishly but you don’t just disappear. Isn’t that in itself selfish? Karma?A soft knock brings my attention to the door in time to see Hugh’s step in followed by William. Great, now I’m thinking about him even more. As though knowing what I was thinking he smiles warmly at me, sitting on the small sofa as Hugh’s busies himself with making us tea.“Good Morning, Ms. Ingram.” He says the last name in a matter-of-fact tone, and I shift uncomfortably. I really hate that last name; but it is mine. Hugh’s was right. Professional.“Mr. Fairchild.”
Last Updated : 2021-03-27SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE: GIFTS UPON GIFTS.
Entering the room I’m greeted by the hushed conversations of the board members and by the heavy atmosphere, I could tell the old man’s been playing his mind games. Walking past him I take my seat at the head of the table and Hugh’s leads William to the empty chair on my right.“A Chairman who's late...” cutting off his attempt to show me up, I speak above him.“If I remember correctly, everyone was informed to be here at Elven O'Clock,” ignoring his stare I continue, “I also have a school to run, so unlike those of you who are simply in a rush to go play golf, your opinion of my arrival time is not needed.” A chorus of whispers ring through the room and I grit my teeth in an attempt to calm down. No Atlas, you can’t punch him. Yet.“Now then, shall we begin. As you all heard early this week, Winters project will begin on time. A few of you have expressed your concerns about funding...” as though on queue his voice breaks through the
Last Updated : 2021-04-01SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR: SUMMER COMES HOME.
The warmth radiating for the body that holds me feels both alien and familiar and I'm too shocked to even think about stepping away. No. I don't want to step away. My arms snake across his back and I cling to him; afraid he’ll disappear if I do.“This is a dream right...? It has to be a dream…” My voice barely a whisper, even to myself."Dream... this...?" His chest vibrating against my face as he chuckles, his hands moving my face away from his chest to meet his gaze."It's anything but, Atlas." The heat from his lips as he kisses my forehead radiates through my body and I shiver, biting my gum in order to not cry."How...?" He looks from me to William and I follow his gaze."You?" He puts his hands up imitating surrender as he smiles at me."Nope. I told you, didn't I? Jason sent you a gift." He says winking, a cheeky grin plastered on his face."Yu-San did?"
Last Updated : 2021-04-01
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SILENCE CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: WHEN STARS LAND. (2)
Exiting the plane, early morning dew coating the asfalt as I walked down the stairs towards the car waiting for me below.“Welcome home, Yamada-Sama.” The man before me greets, bowing politely as he opens the door for me.“It’s good to be back, David.” Smiling softly, he closes the door after I enter before getting into the passenger seat.“As requested, a meeting has been set up with Mister Ingram for Nine-Thirty. Your Father and William insist you stop by afterwards for brunch.”“These two men have way too much free time.” I sigh, smiling at the thought of them waiting for me.“They’ve missed you.”“You’d think they’d get tired of me after calling everyday for the past two plus years.” I groan and he chuckles softly, before handing me a tablet.“Madam is on her way to the press conference and is accompanied by August-San.”“I see. And the old man?”
SILENCE CHAPTER FORTY-TWO: WHEN STARS LAND. (1)
Two years. Two years, three months and a week. That’s how much time has passed. Thirteen hours till the sky falls. Till Perseids descend. Seven days since I last spoke to him. From what I understand, according to Miya-Chan, something seemed to have gone wrong and Yuzuki’s the only one who can fix it so he’s been extremely busy. Still…“... at least message…” I mutter, my eyes trailing along the floor as I walk.“Huh? Did you say something?” Looking up from my feet, I meet August’s confused gaze.How’d he do it? How did he survive without his lover for so long? Talking and video calls are all great and all but, there’s something missing. I miss his touch.“Nah.” I replied, sighing.“Hmm, okay.” Following behind him, we exit the apartment build before getting in the car parked in front of us.“Good morning Young Master and Master Ingram.” Emile bows with his greeting, opening the car
SILENCE CHAPTER FORTY-ONE: O-TANJOBI OMEDETŌ.
Exiting the meeting room, exhaustion hits and I sigh in relief. Beside me, Miyama's practically in zombie mode. He’s shuffling his feet as we head through the lobby of YGM Company towards the entrance; the bags under his eyes not entirely hidden by the frame of his glasses. Chuckling softly, I put my arm around his shoulders drawing him closer and he sighs, settling into my touch."Please tell me we can go home now..." He whimpers and I couldn't help but laugh."Yes, Young Master, we can go home... after... we stop at McDs..." At the mention of fast food Miyama lights up, his drained expression fading completely into total cheerfulness. Upon seeing this my own exhaustion is seemingly lifted off my shoulders and I smile as my brother starts skipping towards the waiting car.It's been just over two years since I've moved here - two days to be precise - and I'd be lying if I said the feeling of having a little brother isn't
SILENCE CHAPTER FORTY: TRUTHS UNTOLD.
The conversation in the room dies as I enter, sitting myself at the head of the conference table. August nods at me, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. I could feel Father's eyes burning holes into me but I ignored him."Now then, shall we begin." A chorus of agreement spreads through the room before silence falls again as I begin to speak."As you all know, construction on the new facilities began last year and so far we are still on schedule. For that, I’d like to thank Mr. Price for his efficiency," I smile towards him and he smiles in return; before a cheeky smirk peeks at the corner of his lips, "I'd also like to welcome Mr. Fairchild, as not only our second largest investor but a partner," remaining seated he nods his thanks and I continue,"Now, I’d like to bring to your attention the finished designs of the new uniform that will take effect next semester after the summer holidays." Looking at Kojo, she gets up
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE: DEBRA.
The full-length mirror I stood before reflected me to every fault. The nervous shake as my hands fixed the black blouse and casual trousers fitted to my body. The tapping of my calf high laced-up boots. Looking myself up and down I sigh, defeated by my own head. Pulling my hair from the band, it fallsbhugging my shoulders as I wished I could myself. I already knew that if not for his scent around the room I would’ve lost it since morning. Walking into the closet I pick off an oversized cardigan from a hanger, throwing it across my shoulders.“You’re coming with me today.” Taking up the keys and my satchel I headed downstairs to where Hughes waited, August sat in the back seat, Martin next to him. Well, don’t they look rejuvenated? Shaking my head as Hughes makes his attempt to come out to greet me, I walk around to the passenger side before taking my seat.“Good morning, Young Master.” Hughes greets me before taking off.“Morning Hu
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT: ON THE MEND.
Following breakfast, as promised the old man leads Miyama-Kun and I through the garden towards the bamboo field beside the estate. The fresh scent of earth reaches me and I’m left paralyzed by the chains of nostalgia that wash over me and I close my eyes. Fear and emotions I thought I’d long ago given up on, tugging at my heart and I couldn't help but wish for Atlas' warm hands in mine. I don't know when she became such an important anchor for me but right now, at my most vulnerable I couldn't help but wish for her. The creaking as the bamboo trees dance in unison with the wind. The birds singing their early morning tunes. Mother loved these woods. Whenever it rained, she'd always come out for walks and sometimes she'd even take me with her."You remember don't you, boy." My eyes open to find the old man and Miyama staring at me, sympathy in both their eyes. I hate those eyes."I do.""When she died, I knew I couldn't send her back to America you see. I loved her t
SILENCE THIRTY-SEVEN: MEN OF THE YAMADA CLAN.
A soft knock at the door draws my attention to the door and I get up from the veranda before opening it and welcoming the young man who enters.“Good morning Sakamoto-Sama.”“Good morning.” He smiles slightly and bows, placing a prepared suit on the divider.“Master Yamada asks for your appearance this morning Sakamoto-Sama...” I sigh, cutting him off and he stares at me panicked.“You know, Sama makes me feel really old. Knowing your personality, you won’t stop calling me that, but can you refrain when it's just us?” He stares at me dumbfounded, his eyes searching mine.“Of course... er...”“Just Yuzuki is fine.” I smile and he returns it nodding.“Yes, sir... I mean, Yuzuki.” He busies himself setting out the small tables and chairs and putting away the futon as I move behind the divider to change.“Can I ask you a question?” I ask peeping over the divider.“... of course...” I smile as he hesitates. So, it’s either honorifics
SILENCE THIRTY-SIX: DO SAKURA'S BLOOM IN WINTER?
The cicadas sing to the full moon as I stir, unable to completely fall asleep. I’d forgotten how beautifully annoying these things were. Even with jet lag falling asleep is difficult. Hmm... that’s not a cicada. Stirring again, I reached my phone as the screen lit up, my ringtone blaring into the silent room. It’s after Three AM right now...“... who the hell is calling at this...” Oh. My annoyance crumbles and a smile plasters across my face at the caller ID.“Kon'nichiwa...” Her chuckle stirring a heat I’d no doubt be unable to sedate for a long time. Groaning, I roll off my futon, moving to open the door to the garden; the sliding sound filling the now silent room.“Oyasumi, Yu-Chan...” Smiling like a clown, I run my hands through my hair at her voice.“I want to hold you very much right now A-Tan.” She falls silent and my heart tightens at the sniffle that passes through the phone.
SILENCE CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE: SINS CORRECTED.
Being sat opposite him still felt like a dream. I couldn’t help but study the man who sat before me; broad shoulders, defined jaw and facial features to kill. He was smaller, but his eyes still smiled the same. His left leg crossed over the other, mirroring my own. I smile at the memory of him teaching me etiquette and polite business-like mannerisms. Linen suits tailored to perfectly frame his body, sunlit blonde hair neatly combed back further emphasising his features. The absolute vision of the old man when he was younger. There’s no mistaking it. This man was my brother. Our eyes meet and he smiles brightly at me, and seemingly sensing my conclusion he relaxes into his seat.“So, this silence is a tad bit awkward...” He grins shyly as my stare fixes on him again.“Welcome home.” As the words left my lips his eyes widened in shock before relaxing, his lips curling once again into a beautiful smile.“It’s good to be back.” He repl
