Saeko regarded herself in the mirror with reluctant astonishment, her slightly trembling fingers smoothing the fabric of her dress. The sleek, emerald green gown clung to her figure, hinting at the curves she usually kept hidden beneath more reserved attire. The way it hugged her hips and framed her neckline felt almost too daring for her, and the slit at the hem revealed just enough of her slender legs to leave her feeling uncharacteristically exposed. It was a dress Satoshi had chosen for her to wear at their engagement party. Though, due to the unfortunate turn of events, she had never had the chance to wear it... until now.
She tilted her head. Gosh, when was the last time I actually put this much effort into getting ready?
She couldn't remember. Her hair, usually tied back, was styled into loose waves that cascaded over her shoulders. For once, she had even applied a subtle touch of makeup. Her lips twitched into a half-smile before she caught herself and scolded her reflection.
Idiot. She inwardly groaned. You're trembling like a teenager before a date. Why are you making such a fuss over it?
Still, she couldn't deny it. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was going out to have fun. The thought made her heart race.
"Don't you need to leave already? The guys will think you are bailing on them if you make them wait," her brother's voice cut through her thoughts.
"I'm not going anywhere until Dad gets here," Saeko replied firmly, glancing at her watch. "He should've been here by now…"
The past few weeks had been a slow, cautious process. Saeko had made it clear to her father that he couldn't move back into their home until he proved his reliability. She couldn't rush into blindly trusting him again. Not after everything that had happened. She couldn't risk putting her younger siblings through another disappointment.
But step by step, they had begun to rebuild something resembling a relationship. Her father was making an effort, spending more time with them and showing he could stand on his own two feet. He was working a decent job, keeping his promises, and staying sober.
If he succeeded, then, and only then, would he be allowed to move back in.
Saeko was firm on this. No matter how cold it might seem, she needed to know that this time, it wouldn't all fall apart again. As much as she wanted to believe him, the memories of the past was still fresh.
Yet, it seemed to be working so far. As her father gradually took on more responsibilities, Saeko's schedule had started to loosen up. At times, she wasn't even sure how to spend her newfound extra free time. More and more often, she found herself visiting the band's rehearsals, and now, for the first time, she gave in to their invitation to join them for a night out. And not just for any ordinary party. It was New Year's Eve, and the boys would attend to a prestigious music gala. They were brimming with excitement, calling it a huge opportunity to secure sponsors for their upcoming music video.
Giving in to her father's persuasion, she allowed him to spend New Year's Eve with her siblings at their home, viewing it as a test to see if she could trust him to leave him in charge while she had a night out. Though it might seem like a small step, for Saeko, it was a crucial one.
You'd better not mess this up.
Back in her room, Saeko checked her watch again. He is late. He only lived two blocks away. What could possibly be taking him so long?
"I'll go get him," she muttered, grabbing her coat and heading out the door.
Annoyance grew within her. If I make him pull himself together quickly, I can still get to the gala. I hope he just lost track of time.
Although she tried to prepare herself for any possible reason, she never expected to arrive at his apartment and find it swarming with police officers. Her father stood in the hallway, pale and frantic, trying to explain himself as officers questioned him.
They were handcuffing him and leading him away, a bag full of something.
"Saeko, you need to believe me," he stammered, his voice shaking. "I don't know anything about this!"
Saeko stared at him, numb, as fragments of words; drug use, possession, suspicion, floated through the air. She couldn't move, her phone clenched tightly in her hand. It buzzed, and she saw Sota's name flash on the screen.
The gala. They were probably wondering where she was. She closed her eyes, inhaled sharply, and answered.
"Hey, Saeko! You're still coming, right?" Sota's cheerful voice, with chatter bubbling in the background, carried over the line.
"Ah, is that time already?" She forced a surprised chuckle. "I'm sorry... We're having such a great time together with my dad, that I didn't even notice how the time flew by. I didn't expect being a family again would be this amazing. But... I'll push myself to head out soon..." She paused, waiting for Sota to stop her. She knew him too well.
"If that's the case, then stay. Don't miss this opportunity because of us," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.
"Are you sure? I might start getting myself together…"
"Just promise me to have fun," he urged.
"Thank you," she smiled bitterly. In that moment, it felt like Sota's unwavering support was the only thing she could count on.
Of course, it would turn out later that she'd lied. She just wanted to keep up the illusion for this night at least. It was an important evening for them, and she couldn't bring herself to ruin it even more.
I'm sorry for letting you down, guys. Lying is the most I can do to support you right now.
The moment she hung up, the pretence crumbled. She collapsed in the middle of the apartment, the weight of everything pressing her down. Sitting alone in the silence, she had no idea how much time passed.
Why does it always end like this?