After sending the email to Ayumu Genya, the fear in Haruna Mizuno’s heart eased slightly. But her obvious wariness had already made those outside thoroughly suspicious.
“Hurry up and open the door!”
“Haruna Mizuno, I know you’re in there!”
…
Outside, Yohei Takagi and Tatsuya Inoue dropped all pretense. They joined the stranger in shouting threats at Haruna inside the booth while frantically pounding on the door. Realizing she was exposed, Haruna fell completely silent and braced herself against the door with all her strength.
The commotion wasn’t quiet, yet not a single person from nearby booths dared to intervene. Such was the indifferent nature of Japanese society—most avoided causing trouble, and just as readily turned a blind eye to others’ distress.
Still, the noise reached the internet cafe’s front desk. Haruna had hoped the staff would help. Reality proved otherwise: the moment the attendant moved to stop them, the three seized him. “Our classmate’s inside and has suicidal tendencies,” they lied, forcing him to fetch the booth key.
It was a flimsy excuse. Yet under Yohei and Tatsuya’s watchful eyes, the attendant had no choice but to obey.
Yohei and Tatsuya followed him away—likely fearing he’d call the police. One stranger remained, blocking the booth door. In minutes, the flimsy sliding door would give way. Haruna had no idea what awaited her. Trapped. Cornered. All she could do was pray silently: *Please, Ayumu… come save me.*
…
Meanwhile, Ayumu had just finished his Chinese tutoring. As usual, he met his mother, Erena Genya, at the mall to head home. Just as they finished shopping, his phone buzzed—a message from Haruna Mizuno.
He pulled it out instantly. Given the tense days and today’s incident after school, he was on edge. Seeing Haruna’s name, his expression turned grave. She’d never messaged him first. This had to be urgent. Reading it confirmed his dread: Yohei and Tatsuya had made their move.
Fury surged through him. He couldn’t believe their brazenness. Unaware, his right hand clenched tight, knuckles white, veins straining.
“Mom,” Ayumu said, each word measured, “where’s the Lavender Internet Cafe?”
Erena didn’t answer. Slowly, she wrapped both hands around his clenched fist, trying to loosen his grip. Her touch snapped him back—he saw the fear in her eyes. His fierce look had startled his sensitive mother.
No time for explanations. Every second wasted endangered Haruna. Steeling himself, Ayumu tried prying her hands away with his left. But Erena held on with surprising strength—he couldn’t break free.
“Xiao Bu… must you go?” Erena pleaded, voice trembling. She guessed he was rushing into another fight. Memories flooded back: the hospital call after his last brawl, the world crumbling around her. He’d just recovered. He’d been so gentle lately… How could she watch her only son willingly walk into danger again?
“…”
Ayumu stayed silent, but his efforts intensified—unyielding, resolute.
“Please…” Tears welled in Erena’s eyes.
Seeing them, Ayumu’s throat tightened. His eyes grew moist. Gently, he uncurled his fist, slipped his hand free, and stroked her hair.
“Mom, I’m helping a classmate—not fighting. I promise I’ll come back safe. Go home. Start dinner. I’ll be back.” His voice was calm, yet firm—no room for debate.
Erena gazed at him deeply, then offered a bitter, resigned smile.
“The Lavender Internet Cafe… just around the corner at the next intersection. Please… don’t fight. Come back safe. I’ll… wait for you. For dinner.”
For a mother this devoted to consent, her heart must have shattered. Ayumu knew his stubbornness wounded her deeply. But he had no choice.
He cherished his mother. Yet he refused to be indifferent to another’s cry for help. *A true man knows when to act.* This unwavering righteousness—rooted in his Chinese spirit—ran deep in his bones.
Parting from Erena, Ayumu sprinted. He dared not imagine Haruna’s fate if he was late. His only prayer echoed with every stride: *Faster. Faster!*
