CHAPTER - 6 - JUNE 5TH

That night it was raining heavily. Suddenly the doorbell rang. 

[Bell…ring ring…]

"She must be back," Rin muttered, her voice laced with worry."Aki," she called out, her tone firm, "get the bath ready. Now.""Okay"Footsteps pattered down the hall, followed by the creak of the bathroom door. Taking a deep breath, Rin braced herself and opened the front door.There, drenched to the bone and reeking of alcohol, stood Ryo. Her eyes were red-rimmed and her voice slurred as she choked out, "Rinnn..."Before Ryo could stumble any further, Rin engulfed her in a warm embrace. "It's okay, Ryo," she murmured, her voice a soothing balm. "Come inside first. You'll catch a cold."Gently, Rin guided Ryo in, the scent of damp clothes and a faint sweetness clinging to her. "How much did you drink?" Rin asked, concern etching lines on her face.Ryo slumped against the doorway, defeat radiating from her posture. "I don't know," she mumbled. "I just...I messed everything up. I lost....I'm sorry.."Rin held her tighter, "No," she said firmly, "don't blame yourself. We're here, Ryo. We'll never leave you."Just then, Aki appeared, eyes wide with worry. The sight of Ryo in such a state, tears Aki's heart"Aki, Rin...I'm so sorry," Ryo choked out, her voice thick with despair, tears overflowing.

"Shh, it's alright, Ryo," Rin soothed, her voice gentling even further. "You need to change. Aki, get her some dry clothes."

Aki nodded and went to grab some dry clothes.

Come on, take a hot bath first, said Rin while supporting Ryo's whole body on her shoulder 

As Ryo stumbled towards the bathroom, Rin watched her go, a heavy weight settling in her chest, "How long would it take for Ryo to recover? How many nights like this would she have to endure?"

"Why …why was I..", Aki whispered, voice barely audible.

Rin reached out and squeezed Aki's hand gently. "Aki, don't," she said softly. "This isn't your fault. Don't blame yourself."

"But..", Aki wanted to say something, but Rin's unwavering gaze stopped him

"Don't disrespect it anymore, I am sure Ryo will be okay soon", Rin said

Aki closed his eyes and took a deep breath, "Yes, I want her to get herself back and smile like she used to do"

"Yes," she echoed, a silent vow forming in her heart. "We will do everything we can to help her."

"Let's all sleep together today", said Aki 

"Hmmm.."

That night, the three of them found solace in the quiet comfort of their shared bed. The storm outside might rage on, but within the circle of their arms, a fragile peace settled, a promise of strength and support in the face of the storm within.

- - - 

Sunlight streamed through the window, chasing away the remnants of the previous night's storm. A gentle voice broke through Ryo's sleep-fogged mind."Rise and shine princess," Rin said, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Ryo mumbled sleepily, "Hmm... what time is it?"

"Past ten," Rin announced.Ryo peeked out, a groan escaping her lips. "Ugh, then I still have some time...""Nope," Rin said firmly, pulling the covers back with a flourish. "Get your lazy ass up. You need some food in that stomach after last night."The phone on the nightstand blared to life, jolting Ryo further awake. It was Cia."Shoot," Ryo muttered, glancing at the screen. "I forgot to tell her yesterday."Answering the call, she greeted Cia, "Hello, Cia.""Ma'am, are you alright?", a voice crackled with concern."Yeah, sorry I didn't let you know," Ryo apologized."No worries, Miss Rin filled me in," Cia replied. "Ma'am, will you be back in the office today? There are some documents that need your signature.""Actually," Ryo began, "could you bring those papers to me? I'm at Rin's place. I'll send you the address.""Sure thing, ma'am," Hanging up, Ryo winced as a wave of dizziness washed over her. "Ugh, I still feel awful," she mumbled, pushing herself upright. "Shower first, then breakfast."Rin looked at her with a mix of concern and amusement. "Oh dear, that's on me, isn't it?"Ryo let out a groan, "Urggg…"

"Aki, any chance you could grab some milk from the supermarket? We're a bit low," said Rin

"Now?"

"Yea"

"Okay"

[Bell …ring ring]

"Huh, who could that be?" Rin muttered, heading towards the door. "Coming!"A moment later, the door swung open to reveal Cia standing on the doorstep."Good morning, Miss Rin," Cia greeted."Good morning," Rin replied, a hint of surprise in her voice. "What brings you here?"Ryo, peeking out from behind Rin's shoulder, chimed in. "I told her to come. She needs my signature on some documents."Rin turned to Ryo, a playful smile on her face. "Done with your bath?""Yeah," Ryo mumbled, sheepishly running a hand through her dripping wet hair. "Sorry, I forgot to dry it before I came out.""Idiot," Rin said affectionately, her voice laced with mock sternness. "You'll catch a cold. Come on, go sit down. Cia, come in, please.""Ah, okay," I said, stepping inside cautiously.Miss Rin gestured towards the sofa. "Take a seat, Cia. I'll get Ryo a towel. Don't move your butt from there, is that clear?" Yes, ma'am," Ryo mumbled, collapsing onto the sofa.As Rin disappeared into the bathroom, a sense of unease settled in Cia's stomach. It wasn't anything specific, just a strange feeling she couldn't quite place.Miss Rin reappeared, a towel in hand, and began drying Ma'am's hair while I sipped on a steaming cup of coffee Miss Rin had prepared.

As I watched them I got a weird feeling. What is this uneasiness??

Suddenly, Ma'am's voice broke the silence. "Here," she said, handing a file to meStartled, I blinked, momentarily forgetting where I was. "Huh? Oh, right!" I stammered, quickly taking the documents."I've checked and signed them," Ma'am continued."Ah, thank you, ma'am," I replied, forcing a smile."I'll be back in the office tomorrow," Ma'am announced."Okay, please enjoy your day, ma'am, and Miss Rin," I said politely.Miss Rin smiled. "Yes, you too, Cia."With that, I stood up. "Then I'll see you tomorrow at the office.""See ya," Ma'am called out, a hint of fatigue in her voice.As I walked away, I couldn't shake the strange feeling that lingered in my gut.  Meanwhile, back at the place, the front door swung open and Aki entered, laden with grocery bags."Akiiii! You're back!" Ryo exclaimed, a smile breaking through her earlier fatigue. She bounded over and flung her arms around Aki's neck, a playful glint in her eyes. "Let's play games all dayyy!"Aki chuckled, playfully struggling under Ryo's embrace. "Haha, yesss... I've been waiting for it.""Yeyyyyy!" Ryo cheered.A voice, laced with mock anger, cut through their jubilation. "You two! Feed your stomachs first, then play yourselves to death!"Ignoring the playful threat, Ryo stuck her tongue out at the doorway. "Oppss...our mommy is angry," she teased."I can hear you!" Rin's voice echoed from the kitchen.Aki squeezed Ryo's shoulder, a small smile playing on his lips. "Hehehe... sorry, sorry Mom," he apologized."Let's dig in," Ryo declared, leading the way to the table.After a hearty breakfast, Ryo and Aki found themselves sprawled comfortably on the sofa."Hey, Ryo?" Aki finally spoke, his voice soft with concern.Ryo turned her head towards him, her eyes meeting his. "Yeah?"Aki hesitated for a moment before asking, "Are you okay?"Ryo held his gaze, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face. "It would be a lie if I said yes. But better than before..."Aki's lips curved upwards in a reassuring smile. "Really?""Yes," Ryo confirmed, a genuine smile blossoming on her own face."Then I'm okay with that," Aki said simply."Aki..." Ryo began, her voice filled with warmth.Aki reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "Never forget, Ryo, that no matter what, to me and Rin, you are our life."A wave of emotion washed over Ryo, a mixture of gratitude and love. "Yes...I know," she whispered. "I'm sorry, Aki, to make you worried all the time."Aki leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "As long as you're happy, Ryo," he murmured.