CAN I TRULY STEP IN??
That's Kyo—no mistake about it. I have to wait a bit after the call ends before I can go in.
CELL PHONE CONVERSATION
"Misaki, how's it going?"
"I'm fine," she responded.
"I'm sorry to bother you, but I'm out with the boys, and I ran out of cash. Could you spare me around 500,000 yen?" Kyo requested.
"I'll send it to you shortly," she said.
"Thanks, babe. Anything for you Kyo she said."
Callended.
For a few seconds, there was pure silence—then, wild laughter erupted.
"Is she serious? Anything for you, Kyo?" one of them mimicked, and they all burst into laughter again.
I stood at the doorstep, my fists clenched. I'm not the type to stick my nose into other people's business, but this… this is too much.
Is Love a crime??
"I told you guys," Kyo boasted. "She's a fool—right in the palm of my hands."
A notification sound chimed from his phone, indicating the money had been sent.
"She sent it, boys!" Kyo announced.
Just then, his phone rang again.
INCOMINGCALL: MISAKI.
"Have you received it?" she asked.
"Yeah, I just got the message. Thanks, babe," Kyo said.
"Don't be mad at me, but I added an extra 300k so you guys can have fun," Misaki said.
"Seriously? That's a lot!" Kyo responded joyfully.
"Thanks for always relying on me. Bye!"
Callended.
The laughter grew even louder.
"Kyo, you really caught a big fish," one of them chuckled.
"Does she have any friends? Maybe they're just as gullible as she is," another one added.
"Nah, they're different," Kyo shrugged. "Anyway, let's have fun. What's that bitch up to no drinks since??
I stepped in with a tray of drinks. They all turned to look at me, confused.
"Who the hell are you?" one of them sneered.
I pulled out my employee badge. "Just a bartender."
"I ain't blind," one of them scoffed.
"Where's the bitch?"
I clenched my jaw. "Her name is Yui."
"Huh? You trying to start something?"
"Stop," Kyo interrupted. "Drop it. Just take your leave."
"Thanks for your patronage," I said, turning to walk away.
Kyo smirked. "Not worth it. Let's not waste our energy. We've got free money, after all."
"No problem, then," one of the guys muttered before sitting back down.
Doorclosed.
I returned to the main bar. Yui was already asleep. I sat down next to her, watching her breathe softly.
"The drunk speak nothing but the truth," I muttered.
CanI truly step in??
I asked myself that question for a solid minute. Maybe I shouldn't. It's their problem. But honesty isn't a sin, and I'm not a fan of cheating.
Inoue-san, I don't know what's wrong, but I am sorry I've to intervene.
I went back to the door and pressed my ear against it. The walls weren't soundproof, so I could easily record their conversation. I smiled slightly—I look like an FBI agent or James Bond.
For the next three hours, I sat quietly, listening. Their words were revolting. Most of them were drunk, careless with their words. And what I uncovered made my stomach churn.
They were also involved in child pornography.
Kyo, about an hour into a conversation with someone on phone, bragged about having nude pictures of Misaki. He planned to sell them for 400,000 yen apiece the next day.
I clenched my fists. I have to think. I need to bring the cops here before they leave.
I shook Yui awake. "What car did they come in?"
She groggily described the vehicle.
"Damn," Kyo muttered, glancing at his watch. It was nearly 11 PM.
"We should leave—I'm totally wasted," one of them slurred.
They stumbled toward their car. The engine roared to life, and the car began to move.
I have to stop them
I ran in front of their car, forcing them to swerve and crash into a streetlight.
Kyo stumbled out, furious.
"What the hell, man?! You got a death wish?" he shouted, still cursing under his breath as he turned to get back into the car.
Flashing red and blue lights filled the street.
A squad of police cars blocked their path.
"We received an anonymous tip about drunk driving and potential criminal activity with License plate number ******."
I took a deep breath. I'm sorry, Misaki… but I think I did the right thing.