Mom walked down the stairs, carrying my luggage to the living room, while I stayed behind, trying to get myself ready. It's hard leaving your parents, especially when it comes out of nowhere.
After putting my bags in the car trunk, I climbed into the seat and put my seatbelt on, trying to steady myself.
As we drove, my parents started acting a little off. Even Dad, usually so calm, kept accidentally hitting the horn.
"What's wrong, Dad?" I asked.
He let out a long sigh, gripping the steering wheel a little too tightly. Looking at me with concern trough the rearview mirror, he said.
"Are you really sure about this, Uno? You're ready?"
I paused, feeling the weight of the question, but I knew there was only one answer. I pushed it out, trying to sound certain.
"Yes… I am."
He nodded slowly, a mix of worry and acceptance in his eyes.
"Alright, if that's what you want…"
***
When we arrived at the airport, I noticed several armed guards moving closer, not too close, just enough to keep an eye on us without drawing attention.
Finally we reached a private government section with the help of Mr. Watanabe giving us directions beforehand.
Mr. Watanabe was already there, sitting on a red couch. He looked old, but his body was still lean and tall.
His black hair was neatly combed, streaked with gray, and his sharp gray eyes gave him a calm but intimidating presence.
Wearing a formal gray suit with a red tie, he stood and walked toward my parents with steady, unhurried steps.
"Don't worry, Hiroshi, Aiko. I'll take good care of your son."
Dad let out a short chuckle, though there was clear irritation on his face.
"Didn't you say the same thing years ago?"
Mr. Watanabe didn't flinch. Still speaking without a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"Times were different back then. Politics were brutal, and I didn't have much power."
He then turned to my mom.
"Please, give me another chance. It may be selfish of me, but I swear I won't let you down again."
Mom sighed. "Just… please, Isamu. Please."
"Your palm, Aiko."
Before anyone could question it, Mr. Watanabe pulled a small pocket knife from his... well, pocket and sliced his palm open. Blood slowly trickled down into my mom's open hand.
Weird.
Judging by the look on her face, my mom thought so as well.
Mr. Watanabe ignored her reaction and spoke in his usual calm, detached tone.
"As Prime Minister, I promise to protect your son."
Mom wiped the blood off her palm, then turned to me.
"Just be safe out there. Come back home alive."
She hugged me one last time, tighter than before, so tight it almost hurt. Dad joined in soon after.
"Yes, Mom, Dad. I'll come back alive."
Mom started crying, while Dad tried to keep a straight face. I didn't wipe her tears or hand her a handkerchief.
"Tears are meant to fall, Mom. Every single one of them."
Hell yeah, it's my philosophical era.
She let out a weak laugh. "You're really something… Just don't die."
I nodded. As for Dad, he simply said.
"Just have fun out there. Work… maliciously or something."
I smiled at them one last time, unsure if it would be the last one I ever gave.
***
Some time later, my parents headed back home, leaving Mr. W and I alone as we walked toward his private jet.
Out of nowhere, he gave my back a light pat and chuckled.
"Trust me, you'll like it there."
"Great. I'm the only merc on this trip, aren't I? Also, what you did back there with the whole promise thing was weird, man. Seriously."
I didn't wait for his reply. The moment the jet came into view, I ran straight for it.
Getting on the jet I heared someone munching . He spoke, not quite clear but still barely understable.
"Bowyourr, Shaitou!"
I put my luggages aside and rushed to the couch. I then hugged Naoki tightly, as he's still chewing on the plate of croissants.
"Wait, Why are you here?"
"Oh, the old man called my parents last night to come with you, so here I am.
"Alright I can accept that, but... why are you eating a plate of croissants?"
"Why? It's delicious you know."
"Yeah croissants are delicious. But you're eating the damn plate!"
Naoki, completely ignoring my outrage, continued as if nothing strange is going on.
"I still can't believe we're going to Paris."
I patted Naoki's shoulder and let out a chuckle, a bright smile on my face.
"We're not going to Paris, Naoki. We're flying to England."
"Oh, even better... so what's the difference?"
"I think France is bigger"
"Oh..."