Chapter 35: Chapter 35

Thinking that I shouldn't waste any more time pondering, I hurriedly opened the vault and saw some stack of folders inside. With shaking hands, I pulled them out

and laid it on the table. Her eyes quickly scanned the folders one by one. The contents of the papers are mostly house and property deeds of the Yoshida family. She almost wanted to give up on looking for the evidences not until she came across a certain paper...

It was the list of his regular customers who were either drug users and drug dealers... The addresess of the factory warehouses where the drugs is being manufactured, and their inventory is even included!

I didn't bother to think twice. She folded the papers and hid it on her back. After that, she carefully puts back the folders inside and closed the vault. She closed it by putting the potrait back in place. She scurried off into her room because she needed to make a back-up copy just to make sure.And she will give all the compiled evidences to Van one of these days...

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Van finally reached the office building of the publishing house. He cautiously roamed his eyes around just to make sure that no one is following him.

He went inside the phone booth and dialled their office number. Few rings, and there was no answer. He tried again, while looking at the office window. No one answered the phone. And it only mean one thing. The Chief is not in the office.

Taking his chance, he ran towards the building and used his duplicate key to enter the office. He went straight to his desk and hurriedly ripped open the seat of his swivel chair. He pulled out some foams until he found the USB stick. Van heaved a sigh of relief. He puts the USB stick inside his pocket and decided to get out of the office as quickly as he can.

Van was already making his way into the streets. There were so many people in that particular day who were rushing to their own destinations. It would be a good camouflage for him because someone might be watching his every move.

The traffic lights turned red.Everyone stopped crossing the streets, including Van. All of the people suddenly heard a loud "Bang!" and the next thing happened, Van

instantly collapsed on the ground. The people started screaming as they frantically ran away from Van's almost lifeless body...

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Reiko was walking at the hospital's hallway, making her way towards Van's room. She was carrying a basket full of fresh laundry. She suddenly saw the nurses and attendants running at the hallway while pushing a gurney with a patient.One doctor

met them.

"Give me the full report." the doctor ordered the nurse.

"The victim's name is Van Tamaki, based on his ID cards on his wallet. He got a gunshot wound on his chest,and he is losing a lot of blood and his heart rate is going down. He was admitted in this hospital a week ago." the nurse quickly informed the doctor.

Reiko loosened her grip on the laundry basket because of shock. Van's clothes fell

on the floor.

"Van!" she cried out.

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After a few hours.

I frantically ran towards the hospital corridor. She needs to see Van as if her life depends on it. She suddenly stopped on her tracks when she finally saw Reiko sitting at the corner,her head was resting on her hands. She quickly ran towards her.

"Reiko, how is Van? Where is he?"

Reiko looked at with blurry eyes.

"I'm glad you're here, Nao. Van would be very glad to see you. He's in that room.." Reiko said.

I knew that something was terribly wrong, but I was scared to admit it.

Once I was inside the room, I instantly saw Ren, who was sitting at the corner. He looked so distraught and tired just like Reiko...

Infront of him is a bed, covered with white sheet.There were also candles burning at the nearby table.

Reality suddenly hit me hard on the face...Van is gone.

"R-Ren..."

Ren looked towards me, as his eyes were filled with teard.

"N-Nao... My brother has been waiting for you." he said.

My eyes went back to the body which was covered by a white blanket. I lowered my hand and pulled the white sheet...

I saw Van's lifeless face.

"Hey... Have I kept you waiting for too long?" I asked, almost in a whisper.

My vision started to blur as big drops of tears started streaming down my face.

"Y-You know what,Van? There's one thing I forgot to tell you... Remember that last summer when you told me that you'll do anything to make me fall inlove with you? To tell you the truth---I was already inlove with you...Since the first time I met you, I guess." she finally confessed.

The love of her life is gone. No more pain. No more sufferings...

"I'll see you again at the right time, Van. I love you..."

I wanted to die right there and then, to be with Van at the end of the earth, but I know he wouldn't want me to end my life easily.

I'm sure Van would like me to live my life to the fullest, and that's what I intend to do.

" I promise I will live my life just like what you want me to... And I'll see you when I get there..." she whispered.

THE END.