28 Chapter 28
"Ko! Wake up! You'll be late for school!"
With a groggy but familiar routine, Ko's eyes fluttered open. The room, adorned with posters of favorite bands and moments frozen in time, felt like a sanctuary untouched by the shadows that awaited him.
His mother's cheerful reminders continued, a symphony of morning rituals that blended into the tapestry of his everyday life. The aroma of breakfast wafted from the kitchen, promising a day of normalcy and routine.
Ko's transition from the comfort of his bed to the lively kitchen was met with the welcoming scent of pancakes and freshly brewed coffee. His younger brother, a ball of uncontainable energy, sat at the kitchen table, eagerly devouring a bowl of cereal.
His mother, a beacon of warmth and care, greeted Ko with a smile. "Good morning, sleepyhead. Your favorite – blueberry pancakes – are ready. And guess what? Your father's returning today from his business trip!"
A mix of excitement and anticipation filled the room. Ko's father, a figure of strength and guidance, had been away for what felt like an eternity. The prospect of his return added an extra layer of joy to the morning.
Ko took a seat at the table, his kid brother Hiro, animatedly recounted his latest exploits at school, adding a vibrant energy to the morning routine. The camaraderie between the two brothers, Ko and Hiro, was evident in their playful banter and shared laughter, encapsulating the essence of a seemingly ordinary day in the Amari household.
The sun cast its gentle rays over the suburban landscape as Ko, accompanied by the cheerful chatter of Hiro, made his way to the nearby school. Their path echoed with the familiar sounds of a neighborhood coming to life—birds singing, distant hums of traffic, and the occasional laughter of children playing.
As they walked, Hiro animatedly shared stories of his school adventures, painting a vivid picture of the bustling life within the education system. Ko, with a fond smile, listened to his brother's tales, his own thoughts occasionally drifting to the impending return of their father.
Arriving at the school gates, Ko patted Hiro on the head, a gesture that conveyed both affection and a hint of protective instinct. "Alright, little bro, have a great day. I'll see you later."
Hiro grinned, shouldering his backpack. "You too, Ko! Don't forget Dad's coming back today!"
Ko's expression softened, a mixture of anticipation and concern flickering in his eyes. "Yeah, he is. I hope his business trip went well."
With a final wave, Hiro joined his classmates, and Ko, lost in thought, proceeded to his own classes. The school day unfolded with its usual rhythm—lessons, laughter, and the camaraderie of friends. However, an underlying tension lingered, a subtle shift in the atmosphere that hinted at the storm approaching on the horizon.
As the day progressed, Ko's mind oscillated between the routine of school life and the impending reunion with his father. The bell signaling the end of the school day brought a mix of relief and heightened anticipation. Ko, along with his fellow students, exited the school gates, the sun beginning its descent on the horizon.
With Hiro at his side once more, Ko made his way home, the excitement palpable in the air. The Amari residence, bathed in the warm hues of the evening sun, stood as a symbol of familial warmth and connection. The impending return of their father added an extra layer of significance to the familiar setting.
Upon entering the house, Ko and Hiro were greeted by the inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal. Their mother, a figure of comfort and stability, bustled about the kitchen. "Welcome home, you two! Dinner will be ready soon."
Hiro dashed off to his room, leaving Ko alone with his thoughts. The reunion with his father, a figure whose absence had left a void in their lives, loomed on the horizon. As the minutes ticked away, the atmosphere in the Amari household shifted from the ordinary to the extraordinary.
The door creaked open, and their father, wearily but with a warm smile, entered. Ko's heart swelled with a mixture of joy and relief as he embraced the returning patriarch. The family, complete once more, gathered around the dinner table, sharing stories and relishing the sense of togetherness.
Ko's father, having settled into the warmth of their home, looked at his son with a mixture of pride and nostalgia. "Well, well, look at you, Ko. You've grown taller since I left. How've you been? Still causing trouble for your teachers?"
Ko, a grin playing on his face, replied, "Not too much trouble, Dad. I've been holding down the fort while you were away. How was your trip?"
His father chuckled, a twinkle of fondness in his eyes.
"Business as usual, you know how it goes. But I missed you guys. It feels good to be back home."
As the family gathered around the dinner table, the air buzzed with the warmth of reunion. The room echoed with laughter, exchanged stories, and the clinking of utensils against plates.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, Ko couldn't help but notice a subtle stain on his father's shirt—a muted crimson that seemed out of place in their otherwise cheerful reunion. His sharp eyes caught the anomaly, but a twinge of uncertainty held back his words.
Inner thoughts swirled in Ko's mind, a storm of conflicting emotions. Blood? Why is there blood on Dad's shirt? Should I ask? Maybe it's nothing. But… it doesn't feel right.""
Suppressing his concern, Ko masked the turmoil within, and questioned his father.
Curiosity glinted in Ko's eyes as he asked his father, "So, where did you go on your trip? Anything exciting?"
His father chuckled, a glint of mystery in his gaze.
"Ah, you know, just a little business in the United States. Checked out some interesting places."
Ko's interest piqued. "The United States? That sounds cool. What places did you visit?"
Ko's eyes widened with anticipation as his father delved into the details of his journey through the United States. His father's voice carried the echoes of a traveler's tales, describing the vibrant streets of New York City, the serene landscapes of the Grand Canyon, and the cultural richness of New Orleans.
"The diversity is incredible, Ko," his father exclaimed. "From the bustling city life to the tranquility of nature, it's like stepping into different worlds. I even explored some hidden gems off the beaten path. The United States is a tapestry of experiences."
A knock on the door echoed through the house, and Ko's dad moved to answer it. As he swung the door open, a group of individuals stood outside, their faces etched with a mix of weariness and familiarity.
"Ryota," one of them greeted, addressing Ko's dad by his first name.
"Hey, old man. It's been a while," another added.
Ko, hovering nearby, strained to catch their words.
Ryota chuckled, "Yeah, too long. What brings you guys here?"
The atmosphere shifted as they exchanged knowing glances, and the conversation took a quieter turn.
"We've got updates. Some things you need to know," one of them said, his voice low and serious.
Ryota's eyes flicked towards Ko before he responded, "Alright, let's talk inside."
As they entered the house, Ko could sense an air of secrecy enveloping the conversation. Whispers and fragments of dialogue reached him, creating an uneasy backdrop to what had started as a typical morning scene.
In the dimly lit living room, one of Ryota's comrades pulled out a portable screen displaying an image of a man, his lifeless eyes staring back at them. The details on the screen painted a grim picture of the deceased, his identity now a source of complications.
"Ryota, this guy. You remember him from our time in the States, right?" The comrade pointed at the screen, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Ryota's eyes narrowed as he examined the image. Recognition flickered across his face, etched with a trace of regret.
"Yeah, I remember him. What's the problem?"
"The problem is, this guy had connections. Powerful connections. Seems like his death wasn't as under the radar as we thought."
Ryota's expression hardened, a mix of frustration and reluctance evident in his eyes.
"Are we seriously doing this now? Right in front of my family?"
The group outside remained stoic, unmoved by Ryota's plea for discretion. Two more mercenaries, lurking in the shadows outside the house, maintained their vigilant stance, ready to intervene if the situation escalated.
The leader among them, a stern-faced figure, replied, "Ryota, we don't have a choice. The higher-ups want this dealt with immediately. No loose ends."