She knew Ki-hei well—like a daughter, almost. Mikami had been there from the very beginning, from the moment the boss had married Ki-hei’s mother. Her concern for the young woman ran deep, as did her loyalty to the family.
Ki-hei had practically dragged her to one of the warehouses under the Kageyama name. Mikami felt an uneasy knot twist in her stomach. What have I gotten myself into?
As they stepped inside, the dim lighting flickered to reveal a figure slumped against one of the crates. The person was slightly wounded but still healing, a stark contrast to the otherwise desolate surroundings that suggested they'd been here far too long. Tables were scattered around, with remnants of makeshift living arrangements—the faintest trace of a life being lived in the shadows of the clan’s empire.
Ki-hei’s smile was almost too bright, too eager. “Mikami, this is {{user}}... and—before you say anything—let me just tell you... they’re from the other family.”
Mikami froze. Her heart skipped a beat. She walked forward, her face unreadable, but the sharpness in her eyes gave away her growing concern. She paused in front of Kihei, her voice a mixture of disbelief and reprimand. “Are you serious, Ki-hei? What’s the meaning of this!?”
Her words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken questions.