Chapter 61 - Blindness

Translator's Note:

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Fleeting Happiness

 

 

The next morning.

 

Suno was getting dressed in preparation for the breakfast he had planned with Ren and the others. Aoi had suggested he stay the night at the Kunishiro residence, and so he had.

 

Sleeping in the room prepared just for him brought an unexpected comfort. It wasn't only because of the quality of the furnishings, but rather the deep sense of reassurance that came from sleeping under the protective umbrella of the Kunishiro family.

 

Suno, after all, wasn't particularly lucky with Alphas, and recently, a creepy stalker had even begun showing up. Here, however, he could sleep peacefully knowing no one would dare approach him.

 

He considered wearing traditional attire but, being here simply as a friend, he opted for a more casual outfit: a loose white T-shirt under a khaki* overshirt, paired with black jeans and sneakers.

 

[T/N: khaki - a dull greenish or brownish-yellow colour.]

 

After tying his long hair loosely, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, meeting his own slightly weary gaze.

 

Suno studied his face, which seemed to lack its usual vitality, and let out a sigh.

 

"Eiki said I look 'frustrated'… and honestly, I guess I do."

 

Perhaps it was partly the fatigue of his busy schedule, but even he felt that something bright and striking was missing from his appearance. It almost seemed as though he'd had a more vivid glow back when he'd been in love with Aoi.

 

"…Maybe it's about time I seriously looked for someone special… but I just don't have the energy for that right now."

 

Muttering to himself, Suno suddenly snapped to attention.

 

—No, no! What am I saying? I sound liake a dried-up old prune! I need to snap out of it…

 

With a light slap to his own cheeks and a deep breath, he stepped out of his room.

 

*

 

In the dining room, Ren was already seated at the head of the table, legs crossed, absorbed in something on his tablet.

 

Noticing Suno, Ren looked up and broke into an unusually soft smile.

 

"Long time no see, Suno."

 

"Mr. Ren! Good morning. You were up late last night, weren't you? You've been working hard."

 

"I suppose, though it was only a casual dinner."

 

Ren's easy smile surprised Suno slightly.

 

In the past, Ren had always carried a fierce, almost unapproachable aura, his pristine appearance and composed smile forming a cool barrier that kept others at a distance. But now, there was a warmth about him, as if all his sharp edges had softened. Suno even noticed that Ren seemed a bit slimmer and wondered if he might be unwell, but his expression showed no sign of discomfort.

 

"Mr. Ren, did something happen?"

 

"Huh? Why do you ask?"

 

"Well… it just seems like something good might've happened."

 

"T-That's not the case…"

 

Suno took a seat opposite Ren and, unable to resist, openly studied him. Ren furrowed his brow at the bold scrutiny, giving Suno a pointed stare.

 

"…You're staring too much."

 

"Oh, sorry about that."

 

"I'm sorry as well; it was meant to be a leisurely tour, but I ended up adding a party to your schedule.."

 

"Oh, no, it's no trouble. I'd gladly help anytime if it's for you, Mr. Ren."

 

"That's reassuring."

 

At tomorrow's event, Suno would be performing a dance.

 

It was in celebration of the birth of the first child of Kantaro Shindo's eldest son and daughter-in-law—a personal gathering to celebrate Shindo's first grandchild.

 

Ren had mentioned that Shindo was a huge fan of Suno's, and as soon as Suno had informed him of his tour in the region, the invitation had quickly followed. Having met Shindo previously, Suno was well aware of his character, so he readily accepted the request.

 

"Shindo's son—he's an Alpha, right?"

 

"Yes, both the eldest and second sons are Alphas. This time, it's the first child of the eldest, whose partner is an Omega."

 

"I see."

 

Ren looked at him thoughtfully. "And how have you been? I know dealing with the previous situation with Aoi must have been difficult…"

 

"…Huh?"

 

Suno's eyes widened as he stared at Ren, taken aback by the thoughtful concern in his voice.

 

"…Something's definitely up with you, Mr. Ren," he managed to say.

 

"Huh? What makes you think that?"

 

"Well, until now, you weren't someone who'd say something so… kind!"

 

"Am I that cold-hearted?"

 

"Oh, no, I'm sorry! I was just surprised… But, well, maybe that's the impression I had of you until now…"

 

"…I see."

 

"Did you find a mate? A good Omega, perhaps?"

 

"Uh… well…"

 

Pressed by Suno's curious questions, Ren rested an elbow on the table, rubbing his forehead as he sighed. Watching him, Suno thought he might finally have found an Omega partner—it would certainly explain this change—and he waited for Ren's response.

 

"Well… I'll tell you someday. Anyway, what are your plans for today, Suno?"

 

"I'll drop by the training hall and later perform a dance at the Kabuki* theater here in town."

 

[T/N: Kabuki (歌舞伎) is a classical form of Japanese theatre, mixing dramatic performance with traditional dance. Kabuki theatre is known for its heavily stylised performances, its glamorous, highly decorated costumes, and for the elaborate kumadori make-up worn by some of its performers.]

 

"Sounds busy… There may not be much time for the party's rehearsal, then. If you'd like, you can stay here again tonight."

 

"Really? That's very kind of you."

 

"It's no problem. It'll make tomorrow's preparations easier."

 

"In that case, I'd be delighted. This residence is more comfortable than any hotel."

 

"I'm glad to hear that. I'll arrange for a car."

 

"Thank you very much. It's reassuring, talking to you, Mr. Ren."

 

"Oh? And why's that?"

 

"Well…" Suno almost started talking about his recent troubles but stopped himself. Ren was even busier than him; there was no need to burden him with such things. So, he simply forced a cheerful smile.

 

"It's nothing. I guess we've just known each other for a long time, that's all."

 

"True. I'll make sure you're driven to the training hall in the morning. Ride with Aoi in his car."

 

"Oh, aren't you two going to work together?"

 

"I don't start until the afternoon. I have a morning interview for a business magazine."

 

"Oh, I see. As busy as ever."

 

"Not as much as you," Ren said with a graceful smile, and Suno couldn't help but feel a little thrill. Ren radiated an alluring charm that was nearly dazzling, a rare quality among Alphas. Seeing him again after so long, Suno found himself almost entranced by Ren's beauty.

 

"…Love really is something. You must've found a wonderful match, Mr. Ren."

 

"Eh? W-well… yes, something like that."

 

"Is it a woman? Or… a man?"

 

"That's… something I'll share another time."

 

"Oh, come on! Can't you let me in on a little of your happiness?"

 

"It's really… nothing that special," Ren mumbled, a faint blush rising to his cheeks.

 

It was the first time Suno had ever seen Ren looking this bashful. The sight of Ren's flushed cheeks struck Suno like a bolt of lightning; the expression was so unexpectedly charming.

 

"With you and Aoi… wow, it's like springtime has come all at once for the Kunishiro family. I'm envious."

 

"I don't know about that, but Aoi's been enjoying his spring for over a year now. Speaking of which, he's late this morning. I wonder what he's up to."

 

Just then, as if to answer Ren's question, Aoi appeared in the dining room, impeccably dressed in a suit.

 

"Good morning, brother. Suno, did you sleep well?"

 

"Good morning, Aoi. How's Yuito?"

 

Taking a seat next to Ren, Aoi's expression turned slightly concerned.

 

"He's not feeling well this morning, so I stayed with him for a while."

 

"Wait, could it be… he's pr…!" Suno blurted out, only for Aoi to give a gentle smile and shake his head.

 

"No… I think his heat is coming soon. He used to rely on suppressants, but since he stopped, he's started to run a slight fever before his cycle."

 

"Huh… shouldn't you be staying home instead of going to work?"

 

"I should, but there's something urgent I need to handle first. Besides, we've figured out the rhythm—it's usually three days from now, so it should be fine."

 

Suno couldn't help but notice how mature Aoi looked as he spoke, carefully aware of Yuto's condition and handling things with such responsibility. Already secure in both his career and his bonded relationship, Aoi seemed every bit the strong and dependable man despite his youth.

 

Aoi started on his breakfast and addressed Ren. "By the way, with Yuto's condition, I may need to take some time off next week."

 

"Of course. I'll have Asakura bring your work over so you can get to it when possible."

 

"I'll handle it."

 

Ren, sipping his tea, offered this reply with a slightly strict tone, and Aoi shrugged lightly, drinking his coffee in return.

 

At the mention of "Asakura," Suno felt a subtle pang in his chest.

 

"Asakura… he's still your assistant, then?"

 

"Yes, he's been a great help."

 

"Ah…"

 

Suno remembered seeing Asakura once in a coffee shop with Yuto. Despite being an Alpha in a major company, Asakura had blushed slightly as he handed Suno his business card—an innocent, endearing look that Suno hadn't forgotten.

 

Though he'd received the card, Suno returned to Kyoto shortly after, leaving him unsure of how to follow up. Nearly a year had passed without any contact, and it wasn't as if Asakura would have his information unless he reached out first…

 

The image of Asakura's cool, admiring gaze resurfaced in Suno's memory, stirring something within him once more. But—

 

"Asakura actually found his mate about six months ago," Aoi said casually, nibbling on his toast. "It seems they're expecting a child soon, so he's been pretty busy."

 

—What?

 

"H-he's… married? And already has a child on the way…?"

 

"Yes, an Omega coworker pursued him quite persistently. I think it troubled him a bit at first, but before he knew it, they were mated."

 

"Ah… Mr. Asakura is a fine man. No surprise he'd be in high demand…"

 

"Seems that way. I don't have time to ask him about his personal life much."

 

"Ah… how nice… Everyone seems so happy..."

 

That glimmer of happiness, which had seemed so close, suddenly felt light-years away, and Suno found himself feeling a bit deflated.

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