You Came with the First Spring Breeze... - Episode 5 – Side-Naoko: A Foreboding Sense of Turmoil

Episode 5 – Side-Naoko: A Foreboding Sense of Turmoil

After finishing the call and putting my phone back in my bag, I suddenly felt a chilling presence behind me. When I turned around, I saw Mita sitting on the couch, his posture rigid like a water buffalo, fists clenched tightly on his thighs, and his breath coming in sharp, angry gasps.

“Mita-kun…” I was at a loss for words, unsure how to address him.

I could feel his heated anger from behind me, his face flushed, as if fire was burning beneath his skin.

“Damn it… What the hell does he think he’s doing, that bastard,” he muttered through gritted teeth.

Why does Mita despise him so much? From the phone call earlier, it seemed like everything had been resolved with an apology… but now, seeing Mita’s outburst, I couldn’t help but feel afraid.

“What’s wrong?” I asked cautiously.

“That bastard told me to stop the AV that Aki’s in,” he grumbled, clearly furious.

“He’s just doing it for his girlfriend, right? You should do what he says,” I tried to reason with him.

“I can’t do that! The other party is a Yakuza!” Mita snapped.

“But you said you would earlier, right? On the phone,” I reminded him.

“Yeah, I had to say that. He made it sound like he was going to the police right away. I was just buying some time.”

It was clear that the atmosphere between us wasn’t one where we could calmly discuss our future.

“What are you going to do? What if he actually goes to the police? With all the evidence, there’s no way you can deny it.”

“I’m not going to the police. I don’t have the guts to face off with the Yakuza over a scumbag like him.”

“That’s not true!” I exclaimed. Despite his small stature and kindness, he was brave and had a strong sense of justice.

“Shut up! Stay out of this!” he barked.

Just then, the doorbell rang. The sushi I had ordered earlier had arrived. Mita stood up to answer the door and, moments later, placed two large sushi platters on the dining table.

“You must be hungry. Let’s eat,” Mita said, his anger dissipating as food was placed in front of him.

Even in his fury, he became more human once food was involved. He grabbed a bottle of chilled white champagne from the fridge and poured it into delicate glasses.

I, however, wasn’t in the mood to celebrate. I didn’t have the mental strength to raise a toast.

We sat across from each other, the glass of golden liquid trembling slightly in my hand. I clinked my glass with his, but my smile was weak and forced.

“Can I take a bath first? I’m still in my work clothes and I need to change. I don’t think I can eat right now,” I asked, trying to find an excuse.

Mita nodded silently in response.

I grabbed my bag from the couch and headed to the closet to change, bringing my phone and some fresh clothes with me. After changing, I opened the bathroom door, took out my phone, and opened Line. I tapped on the chat with “池平智也” (Tomoya Ikeda).

Mita might not keep his promise to Tomo-kun. It would be best to go to the police now, and I needed to let him know. Rape is a non-consensual crime, and anyone who knows about it can report it. Even without the victim’s complaint, the perpetrator can be prosecuted.

I typed, “There’s something I need to tell you…” but before I could send it, the bathroom door suddenly opened with a loud click. My heart skipped a beat, and I was startled enough that I almost dropped my phone.

“What are you doing?” Mita’s voice was low, his presence making my heart race even more.

I quickly dropped the phone, and it hit the floor with a loud thud. Panicking, I hurried to pick it up.

“I thought I’d listen to some music while soaking in the tub,” I said, trying to sound casual as I steadied my breathing.

Behind me, Mita began undressing.

“Should we bathe together?” he asked, his voice low and inviting. He slowly approached me and, with deliberate slowness, took my blouse off, unbuttoning it one by one.

I was about to say, “I’ll do it myself,” but before the words could leave my mouth, his lips pressed against mine, silencing me.