章 28: The Calm Before The Storm
Haruto and Haruma were now sitting side by side on a nearby bench, both seemed serious, a heavy silence between them.
Haruma slightly nodded, breaking the stillness, "Hmm, come with me," he said calmly, "And play the game, you'll have a chance to win five hundred million."
Haruto let out a small smile before standing up, "You really think I'd leave my family behind in this crisis, to play some stupid games of yours?"
There was complete silence from Haruma's end. With a smirk Haruto turned and began walking away, his steps deliberate.
"I'll give you twenty million right now." Haruma declared, his voice ice cold, laced with deadly calm, causing Haruto to stop in his tracks.
Haruto with stunned expressions turned to Haruma, while Haruma sat with a confident smile tugging his lips.
"What?" Haruto asked again, clearly confused.
Haruma stood up, turning to Haruto, "I'll give you twenty millions right now!" He repeated with a calm tone.
Now even more confused, Haruto whispered "Why?"
Haruma stepped closer, standing face to face, "Let's make a deal," he said, his smile intact, "If you win, you'll give me a hundred million from your prize money."
"And what if i didn't win?" Haruto asked, sounding confused and unsure.
Haruma chuckles softly, "Then it's fine, you get twenty million for you giving me your life" he replied. shocking Haruto.
"Giving me five months of your life for twenty million, seems like a solid deal to me." Haruma added with a warm smile.
"five months?" Haruto exclaimed, still confused.
"Yes," Haruma said gently, "The game will last for five months, during that time your all expenses will be on us, we'll provide a place for you to stay, your food, everything you require, will be on us."
Haruto seemed a bit doubtful, "What kind of games will they be?" he asked.
Haruma's smile broadened, "I told you it's a normal public games, lots of people will qualify." he hesitated before adding, "Well, there is an admission fee of 5k, but don't worry, I'll also cover that for you"
"Why are you so desperate for me to play?" Haruto asked, still confused.
"I'm not desperate" Haruma replied in a casual tone, "You kinda impressed me when you saved that woman, and I genuinely think you have what it takes to win this game, so yeah thats why."
Haruto and Haruma stood facing each other, Haruma smiling warmly, while Haruto appeared doubtful.
"But why give me twenty million when I only need fifteen?" Haruto asked.
Haruma looked momentarily confused, "You will be away for five months, so the extra five million is for the future, to ensure your father's treatment goes smoothly." he explained with a gentle smile.
Haruto then closed his eyes, picturing his father, recalling all the happy moments his family shared together, all flashing on his mind.
With newfound determination he opened his eyes, "Alright, I'll play" he declared.
"Yayy!" Haruma exclaimed with a warm smile, "Let's not waste any more time, I'll go get the money, it's in my car," With that he turned around and began walking towards his vehicle.
Haruto felt a mix of relief and worry, "Twenty millions" he thought to himself, "With that much money there shouldn't be any problem, father will get treated with best services" his smile grew, "Everything will be fine," he reassured himself.
Moments later, Haruto was sitting on the bench when Haruma emerged from the shadows holding a big sports bag, Haruto quickly got to his feet, turning towards Haruma.
Haruma came and stood facing Haruto, with a smile he opened the bag revealing a stacks of cash inside, Haruto's eyes widened at the sight of so much money.
"Haruto," Haruma whispered gently, "remember you won't have any connection to this world for the next five months." In a low serious tone he added, "And make sure to not tell anyone about me, or about this game."
Haruto hesitated, "Can I atleast tell my brother?" he asked.
Haruma remained silent, locking eyes with Haruto, his expressions serious.
"What will I tell my brother about all this money and my disappearance for the next five months?" Haruto asked, his tone pleading.
Haruma flashed a warm smile, "Alright, but don't disclose my real name or the name of this game."
Haruto's expressions brightened with gratitude. "Thank you," he said warmly.
Haruma then handed the bag to Haruto, who accepted it with a grateful smile.
"Haruto, you just have a half an hour, after that, meet me here." Haruma instructed "We'll be leaving for the game, understood?"
"Can't I stay until my father's surgery is completed?" Haruto asked in a hopeful tone.
"I wish you could" Haruma said "But we have a lot of traveling to do, and your participation will also take time." he added warmly, "But don't you worry, I'll keep you informed about your father's condition"
Haruto smiled warmly and hugged Haruma, who returned the embrace with a smile and a reassuring pat on the back.
Pulling away from the hug, Haruto said, "I'll get going now, I'll be back in under half an hour" In response, Haruma nodded gently.
Haruto then turned around and began walking away, his steps hurried and joyous. Haruma watched him leave with a warm smile, but suddenly his expressions shifted to something darker, as he stared at Haruto fading into the distance…
Rensuke was inside the hospital sitting on a chair, his face buried in his hands, his elbow's resting on his knees, his head bowed, looking thoroughly distressed.
"Rensuke," Haruto calls softly.
Rensuke slowly turned to face Haruto, confusion washing over him at the sight of Haruto holding a sports bag…
Moments later, Rensuke zipped the bag close, and turned to Haruto who was sitting on a nearby bench.
"Haruto, are you sure about this?" Rensuke asked, his voice uncertain.
Haruto rose from his seat and stood before Rensuke, "Brother this is the only way left, with this much money, there won't be any problem with dad's treatment."
"Yeah." Rensuke said hesitantly, "But what exactly are these games, and where will they be held?" he asked.
"It's a public game," Haruto's answer came swift. "It will be played in various countries, which is why it'll last five months."
Rensuke still seemed unsure, "Alright, I wanna talk to that Haku Yukimora."
"No," Haruto declined immediately, "You can't, it's against the rules."
"Haruto, what if these games are dangerous?" Rensuke asked, his voice filled with concern.
"It's not dangerous, brother," Haruto assured him. "It's just a simple public game, with lots of participants, so just relax."
"Alright then, I'll participate in this game," Rensuke declared confidently.
"Noo," Haruto replied firmly, "I told you Mr.Haru is Impressed with me, he's putting this much money on me, If I'm not participating then there's no point of this money."
Rensuke looked anxious and worried, "Haruto, think about it." he said.
Haruto smiled gently, "Brother I've made a promise that we all will live together again, this money will take care of dad's treatment, and after five months I'll return, everything will get back to normal, I promise." he said in an assuring tone.
Tears started welling up in Rensuke's eyes as he quickly embraced Haruto who returned the hug with the same warmth.
"Take care Haruto." Rensuke whispers through his tears.
"And take care of yourself along with mom and dad." Haruto said with a reassuring smile.
Pulling back from hug, Haruto added, "I need to get going now, bye, see you in five months" he smiled brightly.
Rensuke nodded, smiling back, Haruto then turned around and began walking away…
Haruto now walks down the street and sees Haruma standing in the same spot, his eyes fixed onto him.
The two faced each other from a distance, Haruma smiling while Haruto exuded confidence.
"Ready to go?" Haruma asked in a calm tone.
Haruto took a deep breath and nodded. Just then a hand reached from behind covering his mouth with a handkerchief, panic surged through him as he fought to break himself free, but his attempts were in vain.
Haruto's vision started blurring, he instinctively outstretched his arm towards Haruma who stood still, a chilling smile spread across his face, gazing at Haruto.
Slowly Haruto's arm drops down, his body going limp as darkness begins to creep in around the edges of his sight, before he completely slips into unconsciousness, everything fading into dark.
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