A little while after Manami had fallen asleep, Yukiko was still sitting on the couch, lost in thought.

'This... this is a stupid idea...' -her eyes fixed on the bedroom door

'If she finds out what im about to do...'

But then, a wave of determination washed over her. She stood up, clenching her fists.

'No... I have to do this. I need to find out more about her. So first, i have to know why shes always hiding her body.'

With silent steps, Yukiko approached the door and carefully opened it. Peeking inside, she saw Manami sound asleep on the bed.

'Alright, shes asleep.' -she reassured herself

Yukiko tiptoed to the bedside and knelt down, her heart pounding. Her hand trembled slightly as she reached out toward Manamis hoodie. With great care, she lifted it, revealing the skin beneath.

'Now, the shirt...' -she thought, her breath catching in her throat

She slowly pushed up the shirt, and her eyes widened. Manamis body was riddled with scars. Evidence of brutal abuse. Her form was also muscular.

'I knew it from the start... back then at my house her father told her that he will punish her again if she doesnt stop...' -Yukiko thought, her stomach twisting

'And... also the muscular body... well i saw what shes capable of, so im not so suprised.'

'Wait... why can she even fight like that? I just have more and more questions...'

Yukiko gently lowered the hoodie and shirt, covering Manami once more. Just then, Manami stirred, letting out a soft grunt. Yukiko gasped, her pulse racing.

She quickly but quietly retreated from the room, closing the door behind her.

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'She must have been dreaming...'

'Manami, i cant even imagine what youve been trough... im so sorry' -she thought, clenching her fists in frustration

Turning towards the old woman, she noticed her watching.

Yukiko approached her.

“Oh, youre awake.” -Yukiko murmured, rubbing the back of her head awkwardly

“Look, we wont hurt you, okay? I promise. We just needed a place to stay for the night. Im sorry...”

The woman mumbled something against the duct tape covering her mouth.

Yukiko sighed heavily and returned to the couch.

“Just try to get some rest... Well be gone by morning. I swear.”

The old woman stopped struggling, her tense demeanor softening a little. She seemed to understand that fighting was futile.

Yukiko leaned back, staring at the ceiling.

'This is all so messed up... everything is a complete mess.'

Meanwhile, in the bedroom, Manami tossed and turned, sweat beading on her forehead as she thrashed in her sleep. Her dreams were dark and chaotic.

In her mind, she was running desperately searching for an escape in the nothingness. But she wasnt alone. She was being chased... by herself.

Why are you running from yourself, Manami? Are you scared of yourself? Do you hate yourself?

The figure pursuing her was monstrous, a twisted version of herself. Which one of you is the real Manami? The one fleeing, or the one giving chase?

She writhed in her sleep, tormented. Your worst enemy... is yourself, isnt it?

___

Meanwhile Yuuji sat at his kitchen table, his head bowed, his mind a storm of conflicting thoughts. He took a slow sip of his drink, his gaze fixed on the table before him.

'What should i do?' -he agonized

'If I try to stop the Narita Family, then ill be putting my own family in danger.'

He clenched his fists.

'I cant let them get away with this... i have to stop them... but...'

His eyes drifted to the living room, where his wife and son sat peacefully watching a TV show. The sight was both comforting and heart wrenching.

He tightened his grip on the glass, then suddenly let it go, standing abruptly.

'I think i have my answer. Fuck... i feel like such a coward. But... i have to protect my family.'

___

The room is dark. She stares straight ahead, frozen, as voices echo in her mind, screaming for help.

She sits up in bed, glancing around, desperate for a way to make it stop.

'Sweetie, dont look at us!'

'Everything will be fine, Akemi!'

'No… NO!'

Suddenly, the slow creak of the door opening pulls her from her thoughts.