Chapter 22

22

A couple of days had passed, and the battleground at the abandoned warehouse was all over the news, labeled a gang war with no mention of me or Noboru. Kaito Takehide—only son of the Takehide family—was sentenced to prison after they found his father's blood on his hands at the crime scene, his head decapitated and found five feet from its torso. Part of me wasn't surprised it had come to this; the complexities of his family dynamics, and the revelations that came out in the open behind the scenes had shifted my perspective on all our interactions.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of empathy for Kaito. I understood how cultural obligations and duties could cloud a person's judgment, how they could obscure one's true desires. In a world that often demanded loyalty above all else, it was easy to lose sight of oneself. The weight of expectations, the pressure to uphold family honor—it could twist even the most innocent intentions into something unrecognizable. It was a heavy burden, one that made me question where responsibility ended and true agency began.

When I returned to the studio, the warm atmosphere wrapped around me like a comforting blanket. My coworkers greeted me with smiles and relieved laughter, their joy at my safe return palpable. They had been worried during my absence, unsure of what to do, and their relief was evident in the way they enveloped me in hugs and playful jabs.

"Look who's back! I thought we'd have to start a search party!" teased Chivonn, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She told me in the break room that she tried to call the cops about my ex, but she soon discovered that the Yakuza had a far reach as none of her calls went anywhere. By the time the authorities arrived to cover the double murder, it was deemed in their reports to be a random act of violence made by the two men against each other, a crime of passion, quickly swept under the rug.

As for the other two witnesses? The female patrons never said a peep about anything that didn't corroborate with what the authorities filed in their reports.

The other coworkers chimed in with lighthearted banter, pulling me from my morbid thoughts. We were all nervous about what occurred, but for now, no one was mentioning anything. Each coworker suggested a different imaginary situation on how I escaped the clutches of my ex before the disaster about gang wars, their faces painted with exaggerated expressions of romance and intrigue.

"I can't believe you were able to escape that mess, Mae," Jake said, crossing his arms and leaning against the back counter. "Who would have thought we were harboring so many gangs around here? At least to the degree of starting a full fledged war on the streets?"

"Knowing Mae, she probably had one of her secret admirers whisk her away just in time," Sam chimed in, with a twinkle in his eye. "Ain't that right, Mae? Or did you schedule a getaway car after knocking your ex unconscious in his little import?"

I rolled my eyes, trying to suppress a smile. "There's no new man in my life," I insisted, though I felt a warmth at their enthusiasm. I appreciated their attempts to lighten the mood, even if I wasn't ready to share the truth. The thought of introducing Noboru to this tight-knit group was impossible.

"Sure, sure, keep telling yourself that!" Jake chimed in, winking as he leaned back in his chair. "We know how these things go. One minute you're ‘just friends,' and the next, you're planning a wedding! I'm glad you finally got rid of that asshole ex of yours though," The laughter that followed felt like a balm, reminding me that even amid the chaos, there were still moments of joy and camaraderie. For now, I was content to let them tease, keeping my secrets tucked away while I reveled in their lighthearted company.

After a long day at work, Noboru made sure to relax my muscles with a massage and rearranging my insides with me in submission to his invasion. Now my muscles ached for a different reason, one that made me not walk straight. The unexpected longer hours were both a blessing and a curse. It seemed that not-so-creepy Joel had been singing my praises to anyone who would listen, as my schedule filled up with high-priced requests for intricate artwork over the next few months.

The weight of recent events still lingered, but a sense of relief washed over me after the divine intervention that had lifted Noboru's punishment. Still, that calm felt deceptive.

I almost fell out of bed when an unsuspecting knock came at my front door.

"Are you expecting someone?" Noboru asked curiously.

I shook my head with a little frown, reluctantly leaving our bed. I approached my door and looked through the peephole, noticing a couple of familiar, anxious figures standing on the other side. My heart sank when I recognized my mother's silhouette, accompanied by my father. They looked out of place and worried.

Quickly swinging the door open, I scanned our surroundings for anything amiss. "Ma? Pa? What are you guys doing here? Wait, how did you get here?"

My mother's eyes were wide with concern, and my father's expression was one of bewilderment.

"We took the bus. We were worried about you, Mae-Mae. Your mom said she was having these dreams and she told me we had to get here to make sure you are alright," my dad replied with a shaky voice.

Before I could say more, my mother rushed forward and enveloped me in a tight hug, taking me by surprise. We're not a hugging type of family, let alone one that expresses such sincerity without any veiled criticism to accompany it. "We heard about what happened! The news was everywhere. Mae-Mae. I know Kaito's face anywhere. Are you alright? What have you gotten yourself into? Gang-Gang, Mae-Mae?"

I hugged her back, feeling a mix of relief and guilt as well as a bit of awkwardness. We were still standing in the doorway after all. Luckily for me, my neighbors weren't as nosey as hers. "I'm fine, really. It's been... a lot, but I'm okay. You shouldn't have come all this way. The bus, Ma? How long were you on the bus? You could have gotten lost."

My father, who had been silently observing our interaction, finally spoke. "Mae-Mae. What is going on? What are you hiding from us…" His voice trailed off as he took in the sight of Noboru standing behind me, his divine presence unmistakable.

Noboru, having been somewhat taken aback by the unexpected visitors, offered a respectful bow. At least he knew to put on some drawstring pants. "Greetings. I am Noboru, and I am honored to meet you both."

With a gasp, I ushered everyone inside and shut the door behind us, making sure to lock it as well as take another peek through the peephole to make sure no one saw us—mainly Noboru.

My parents stared at him in shock. My mother's eyes darted between Noboru, his wings, and me, her face a mix of fear and awe. "This… this is…"

Our culture was known to hold old superstitions, so it wasn't surprising to see the cogwheels of her mind turning, trying to pinpoint exactly what Noboru was instead of screaming in fear.

I nodded, feeling a bit awkward but knowing that I could no longer avoid the conversation any longer. "Yes, Ma. Noboru is a… god, and he's been, well, we're kind of in a relationship together. I was going to tell you, I swear. I didn't know how," I grimaced, afraid to see the disappointment in their eyes over another one of my non-traditional decisions.

My father's jaw dropped slightly, and he looked at Noboru with a blend of reverence and skepticism. "A god? This is... overwhelming. We knew you were involved in something extraordinary, but this is beyond..."

Noboru, sensing their distress, offered a reassuring smile. "Please, do not be afraid."

I inwardly groaned at his choice of words.

"Your daughter has shown great courage and strength. She's a warrior who has stolen my heart and I am devoted to loving her the way she deserves."

My mother's eyes widened further. "You mean she?—"

"Yes," Noboru interrupted gently. "She helped to end a great dark power and, in doing so, lifted the punishment that had been placed upon me. It was a significant and honorable act."

The room fell silent as the weight of Noboru's words sank in. My stomach wanted to drop, my throat tightening over thoughts of what I would have to do to reconcile with my parents if they wanted to disown me .

My parents exchanged glances, their initial worry slowly giving way to a sense of awe and pride. My mother's face softened as she looked at me, her eyes shimmering with emotion, making me more nervous.

"I cannot believe this," my mother finally said, her voice trembling with a mix of pride and amazement. "My daughter, dealing with god-like beings and lifting punishments. I'm so proud of you, even if I do not fully understand it."

I felt a lump form in my throat. They were words I never thought I would hear in this lifetime, words that almost felt more surreal than the godly being inside my home who fucks me on the regular. What was happening right now? Was this real life?

Noboru, sensing my distress, laced his fingers with mine, offering me his strength in a moment of pure vulnerability. I took a few deep breaths, steadying myself. A mixture of relief and gratitude washed over me. "Ma, I-I've only been trying to do what's right, and it's been hard," I sniffed, not wanting to make them feel guilty about anything. It didn't matter what culture dictated when it came to familial interactions. We didn't have to continue the cycle. I didn't have to continue the cycle.

So with a stuttering sigh, I let go of the pain I probably held onto for too long, the same pain Kaito probably felt. "I-I'm glad you're here."

My father, still somewhat in shock, finally found his voice. "Mae-Mae. You've always been a smart girl. You always try your best, I see it in how hard you work, in how you try to take care of us. It is no surprise only a divine being would be worthy of your love."

Be still my heart. I can only take some much of this. As hard-edged as I presented myself to be to the world, I was still that little girl on the inside caught between two worlds just trying to adapt and survive, always caught in the unknown but forced to pave her way apart from all her family has ever known.

My mother wiped away a tear and felt my chest tighten. But then her eyes lit up with a sudden thought. "And now... does this mean you might finally settle down? Perhaps, get married and—" She blurted out, a hopeful gleam in her eyes. "—give us some grandkids?"

I choked and stared at her, caught between amusement and disbelief. "Ma, really?"

Noboru, catching the tone of the conversation, chuckled softly. "Your mother's wish is a common one among mortal parents, it seems."

My parents looked at Noboru with newfound respect, and my mother's earlier anxiety was replaced by a hopeful enthusiasm. Despite the chaotic and supernatural nature of the past events, there was a moment of genuine familial connection, a glimpse of normalcy amidst the extraordinary.

"Well," I said with a weary smile, "let's focus on the here and now. There's still a lot to sort out, and I want to make sure you both are safe and comfortable. Come on, have a seat. Have you guys eaten yet? Let me go to the kitchen and make you something. You must be hungry after the bus ride. "

My mother's face lit up with a blend of excitement for the future and pride . The last one almost did me in. I glanced away from her, hoping keeping my hands busy would help me get back under control.

I heard her take a deep breath and my shoulders tensed, bracing myself. "You know, I never thought I'd say this, but I'm actually honored to be the grandmother of children who will have divine heritage. It's incredible! I knew there was a reason why Mae-Mae could never find a man to stay with her."

I felt a flush of embarrassment creep up my cheeks. "Ma! Can we not? We've only just?—"

My mother waved off my attempt to dismiss her enthusiasm, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Oh, but just imagine! Children with god blood! What an honor! I'm so proud of you!"

Noboru, ever composed, smiled warmly. "It is truly a blessing to see such support and love from family. Your pride and encouragement mean a great deal to Mae. She loves you very much."

Thank you, Noboru, for being my voice and strength when I can't find it.

With the immediate tension eased, we turned our focus to practical matters, catching up on the simpler things in life. Laughter bubbled up as we shared stories about our daily routines, the little triumphs and mishaps that seemed so trivial yet were deeply grounding. The extraordinary and the mundane intertwined, creating a tapestry of life that felt both surreal and comforting. Amidst the divine revelations and the trials we had faced, my family's presence reminded me of the love and support that remained constant, even amid the cultural clashes that often arose between generations.

As the evening wore on, the warmth of our connections enveloped us. Noboru's quiet strength complimented my parents' enduring wisdom, forming a unique harmony that filled the room. We shared a meal, the table laden with dishes that held stories of our past, and as we ate, I could feel the barriers that had once divided us beginning to dissolve. We talked about our dreams for the future, weaving our hopes together like a shared vision.

The world outside might have been tumultuous, but in that moment, there was a profound sense of peace and unity. We laughed at old family anecdotes, our voices mingling in a symphony of love. I caught Noboru's eye, and in that fleeting glance, we understood each other—two souls navigating the complexities of life, finding solace in each other's presence.

As the night deepened, the stars twinkled outside, a reminder that beauty could emerge even from darkness. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for this gathering, this moment of healing.

In the months that followed, the bond among us only strengthened. My parents welcomed Noboru as part of the family, and the cultural gaps that had once seemed insurmountable began to close. We forged new traditions that honored our past while embracing the future, blending our worlds in a way that felt right—all out of the sight of the public, of course. My mother was initially upset that she couldn't start gossiping about herself, but with much coercion, she accepted the reality of how things would have to be.

And so, as we continued on this journey together, we discovered that love—rooted in empathy and intentional understanding—could bridge even the widest divides. Surrounded by family and fortified by newfound connections, I knew we were on the path to a happily ever after, where laughter, love, and acceptance reigned supreme beyond the boundaries of mortality.