Back to Tokyo

Hoshino's POV.

I still couldn't wrap my head around it. Ogata Yuusuke. The man who had worked with my cake shop to help it gain fame. The man who ordered my chocolate vanilla cake with chilli powder every day without fail. That man was the same person I'd had a fleeting encounter with five years ago. And even worse, Yuutaka bore his name—a coincidence that now felt like a cruel joke.

I tightened my arms around Yuutaka, who was still sleeping peacefully beside me, his soft breaths brushing against my shoulder. My heart ached with a mixture of regret and fear. If I had known who Yuusuke was back then, I would never have named my son Yuutaka. I would have chosen something else, something that didn't tie him to a man who had suddenly reappeared in our lives, threatening to take him away from me.

The very thought of it made my blood run cold. What if Ogata-san actually succeeded in taking Yuutaka? What if I lost the one person I'd built my life around?

No. I won't let that happen. Never.

"Mummy... I can't breathe," Yuutaka mumbled, stirring in his sleep and hugging me weakly.

Startled, I loosened my hold immediately, guilt washing over me. I kissed his soft cheek lovingly, smoothing his messy hair. "I'm sorry, darling," I whispered, my voice trembling. "You won't leave me, will you, Yuu-chan?"

His small, sleepy eyes blinked open, and he shook his head slowly, tightening his little arms around my neck. "No, I won't leave Mummy," he murmured softly, his voice still groggy from sleep.

His words eased the knot in my chest, but only slightly. I hugged him close, the warmth of his small body grounding me in the moment. "Oh God, I don't know what I'd do if Yuutaka disappeared from my sight," I thought silently, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.

Yuutaka had always called me "Mummy." It wasn't something I'd taught him; it was just the first thing he said when he started talking, just over a year old. I remembered that day vividly, the way his tiny voice had called out "Mummy" with such certainty, as if there had never been any other option. It had filled me with a sense of pride and love I'd never felt before. And so, I never corrected him. Hearing him call me "Mummy" reminded me of how much he depended on me, how much I meant to him, and how much I owed him.

I gently pulled away and smiled at him. "Come on, Yuu-chan," I said softly. "It's time to get ready for nursery."

Yuutaka nodded and slid out of bed, padding towards the bathroom. Soon, the faint sound of running water filled the flat. Moments later, he emerged freshly bathed, smelling faintly of the children's soap I'd bought for him, his tiny figure wrapped in his neatly pressed nursery uniform.

As he sat at the table, waiting for the breakfast I'd prepared, I packed his lunch into his rucksack. Everything about this morning felt so normal, so routine, and yet I couldn't shake the heaviness in my chest.

Ogata-san wouldn't dare to kidnap Yuutaka again—not after my warning yesterday. He might be powerful, but even he wouldn't take the risk of crossing me a second time.

Still, the memory of Yuutaka's tears lingered. He had looked so sad, so confused. I couldn't bear the thought of Ogata-san saying something to him, filling his mind with doubts or fears.

"Yuu-chan, remember!" I said, sitting beside him as he ate. "Never follow strangers, okay? Mummy doesn't want you to leave him again. You're Mummy's smart boy, right?"

Yuutaka nodded obediently, but his eyes lowered, a shadow of sadness crossing his small face. My heart sank.

"Yuu-chan, don't be sad," I said gently, crouching down beside his chair. "When Yuu-chan is sad, Mummy feels sad too."

He hesitated, his tiny hands fidgeting with the edge of his napkin. "But... Daddy..." he whispered softly, his voice barely audible.

I froze, my chest tightening. The word hung in the air between us, heavy and unfamiliar. My stomach churned with a mix of emotions—fear, anger, and sadness.

"Yuu-chan's daddy is Mummy," I said firmly, meeting his wide, uncertain eyes. "Yuu-chan only has Mummy in this life. There is no one else. Do you understand, Yuu-chan?"

For a moment, he stared at me, his little face conflicted. Then, slowly, he nodded.

"That's my good boy," I murmured, stroking his soft hair and patting his small back gently.

Yuutaka's innocent eyes met mine, and I could see the trust and love shining in them. He didn't understand the complexity of what was happening, and I wanted to keep it that way. He didn't need to know the messy details of the past or the man who had suddenly appeared, claiming to be his father.

For now, it was just me and Yuutaka. That's how it had always been, and that's how it would stay. No matter what Ogata Yuusuke thought or said, no one was going to take my son away from me.

***

Hoshino's POV

"Good morning, Chief Takihara," I greeted quietly as I walked past his desk, trying to sound composed despite the unease lingering between us.

The chief barely looked up, offering only a small nod as he continued shuffling through the stack of documents spread before him. The tension between us had been palpable since the incident a few days ago, and neither of us had found the right words to address it. I wasn't sure how to act around him, and it seemed he felt the same.

"Shirayuki? Could you come to my office for a moment?"

The director's voice carried across the office floor, startling me. I glanced up in surprise, catching Chief Takihara's equally confused expression. The director rarely called me to his office—especially without prior notice.

"Yes, Director," I replied hesitantly, bowing slightly before making my way to his door.

Inside, the director sat behind his large, imposing desk. His expression was unreadable, but the tightness around his eyes set me on edge. I stood silently, waiting for him to speak.

"As of today, you are dismissed," he said abruptly, his tone cold and final.

The words hit me like a physical blow. I stood frozen, staring at him in disbelief.

"Wh-why—?" I managed to stammer, but he cut me off before I could finish.

"Pack your things and leave," he said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I bowed automatically, the weight of the dismissal sinking in. "Thank you for your guidance, Director," I murmured, my voice barely audible. My eyes stung as I left the office, the sting of humiliation burning deep.

Back at my desk, I began packing my belongings into a box, my hands trembling slightly. The sound of the office around me faded into a dull hum as I focused on placing my things neatly, one item at a time.

"What happened?" Chief Takihara's voice broke through the haze. He approached my desk, his brow furrowed with concern. "Why are you packing? What's going on?"

"I've been dismissed," I said quietly, lowering my voice so the others wouldn't overhear.

"What? Why? What reason did they give?" he demanded, his voice rising slightly. "I'll speak to the director—"

"Chief," I interrupted, placing a hand on his arm. "Thank you for everything. You've been incredibly supportive, especially with Yuutaka. I'll never forget it." I forced a smile and bowed deeply. "But this is something I'll need to handle on my own."

He sighed heavily, his jaw tightening as he clenched his fists. After a moment, he placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "I understand, Hoshino. But this isn't right. I'll speak to the director and get some answers," he said firmly.

Before I could respond, he leaned forward and pulled me into a brief, supportive hug. I hesitated, unsure how to react, but before I could decide, another voice sliced through the air like a whip.

"Don't touch my wife."

The words echoed across the office floor, silencing everyone. I froze, my eyes widening in shock. Slowly, I turned to face the source of the voice.

It was him. Ogata Yuusuke.

"What are you doing here?" I snapped, pulling away from Chief Takihara and glaring at Yuusuke.

"Wife?" Chief Takihara repeated, his confusion evident as he looked between the two of us.

"I don't know this lunatic!" I said quickly, my irritation bubbling over. "He's insane!"

"You've packed your things, haven't you? Let's go," Yuusuke said, ignoring my protests as he grabbed my arm with his usual unyielding grip.

"Let go of me!" I hissed, trying to shake him off. "Where do you think you're taking me?"

"Call me Yuusuke," he said smoothly, leaning in closer. His smug grin made my blood boil.

"I will never call you by your first name!" I snapped. "We don't even know each other!"

"Oh, we know each other well enough," he replied, his grip tightening on my wrist. "You've been dismissed. What's your plan now? How will you support Yuutaka?"

My heart dropped. "How do you know about that?" I asked, my voice trembling with anger.

"This was your doing, wasn't it?" I accused, struggling to pull away. "You manipulated this! Give me my job back! What do you want from me?"

He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You don't understand, Hoshino. Yuutaka is my son too. And you? You're coming back to Tokyo with me. We'll get married."

The words left me speechless. Married? Tokyo? This man was utterly deranged.

"You're insane!" I shouted, struggling harder. "Let go of me! You don't control my life—"

Before I could finish, his free hand clamped over my mouth. I tried to pull away, but his strength far outweighed mine.

"Let go of me—mmph—" My muffled protests grew weaker as my vision blurred. The last thing I saw was Yuusuke's infuriatingly smug face before everything went dark.

******

Yuusuke's POV.

Hoshino truly is the most stubborn person I've ever met. Beneath his quiet, introverted personality, there's something undeniably captivating. It frustrates me to no end—and yet, I can't seem to let him go. I will do whatever it takes to have him and Yuutaka by my side. No one, absolutely no one, will stop me from reclaiming what is mine.

Do I love him? I honestly don't know. What I do know is that the thought of him slipping away, of being too far out of my reach, makes my blood boil. When I saw him in his office that day, hugging another man after being dismissed, a rage I couldn't control bubbled to the surface. Was it so easy for him to fall into another man's arms? A man like that? Damn it! Just thinking about it, my fists clenched involuntarily, my nails digging into my palms.

"Are you all right, young master?" Azuma asked from the front seat, glancing at me through the rear-view mirror.

I didn't respond. My gaze drifted to the unconscious figure slumped beside me—Hoshino. The tranquilliser had worked quickly, but I still felt a pang of guilt looking at him like this. He'd forced my hand. If he had just cooperated, I wouldn't have needed to resort to such measures.

When the car stopped outside the nursery where Yuutaka was, I gently leaned Hoshino's limp body against my shoulder. His peaceful, sleeping face only served to strengthen my resolve. Hoshino and Yuutaka belonged with me, and I wasn't going to let anyone tear us apart again.

Stepping out of the car, I spotted Yuutaka sitting by the window, his small frame bathed in the soft afternoon light. He was quiet, lost in thought, and for a moment, I hesitated. Was this how Hoshino had been raising him—so serious, so pensive? Yuutaka deserved more than that. He deserved a carefree, happy childhood.

"Yuutaka?" I said softly, approaching him.

He turned to look at me briefly before turning away again, his expression distant. His reaction stung in a way I hadn't expected.

"What's wrong with Daddy's little hero? Why are you so sad?" I asked gently, sitting down beside him.

"Mommy said not to approach strangers anymore," Yuutaka said, his voice low and hesitant. "Yuu-chan doesn't want to get scolded by Mummy again."

I clenched my jaw. Hoshino had told him that, no doubt. He was filling Yuutaka's head with unnecessary fears—fears of me, his father.

"It's all right, Yuutaka," I said with a smile, trying to ease his worries. "Actually, Mummy's in Daddy's car right now. We're all going back to Tokyo together today."

Yuutaka's face lit up with a smile that was strikingly similar to my own. He jumped into my arms, his little laugh tugging at something deep inside me. I hated lying to him, but what choice did I have? Hoshino would never have come willingly, and I couldn't let this chance slip away.

"Why is Mum sleeping, Dad?" Yuutaka asked innocently as we drove towards Oshima Airport.

"Maybe Mummy's tired from work," I replied, kissing his cheek lightly. "Are you happy to be going back to Tokyo with Daddy?"

Yuutaka nodded enthusiastically, his face lighting up with excitement. "Yuu-chan's so happy! Yuu-chan's friends said there are lots of tall buildings and toys there, Daddy!" he exclaimed, waving his hands as he spoke.

I smiled, listening to his animated chatter. For the first time in a long while, I felt a flicker of genuine happiness. Yuutaka had that effect on me—he brought light to places I hadn't even realised were dark.

"Young master, you've been smiling a lot these past few weeks," Azuma said from the front, his voice neutral but carrying a hint of amusement.

I stiffened slightly, but I ignored him, focusing instead on Yuutaka's rambling stories.

"Don't you feel sorry for Mr Hoshino, Yuusuke-sama?" Azuma asked cautiously, his tone more serious now.

I shot him a glare that made him quickly avert his gaze. "Don't interfere in my family's affairs, Azuma," I replied curtly.

Azuma fell silent, turning his attention back to the road.

I glanced down at Hoshino, his head resting against my shoulder, his face calm in sleep. A pang of guilt stabbed at me again, but I pushed it aside. This wasn't about what was right or wrong anymore—it was about what needed to be done.

Hoshino had forced my hand. He'd hidden Yuutaka from me for five years, taking away moments I could never get back. And yet, I couldn't bring myself to hate him for it. I knew why he'd done it. He was scared, overwhelmed, and perhaps even angry. But that didn't change the fact that Yuutaka was our child.

I'd supported Hoshino, pouring resources into his cake shop and helping him succeed. And what did he do? He turned away from me. He disappeared. But now that I had him and Yuutaka within reach, I wasn't going to let them slip away again.

Hoshino and Yuutaka were my family. Whether Hoshino accepted it or not, that was the truth.

I adjusted my hold on Hoshino slightly, brushing a strand of hair from his face. "You may hate me now," I thought silently, "but in time, you'll see. I'll give you both the life you deserve. You'll never have to worry about anything again."

No one was going to take Yuutaka away from me. Not even Hoshino.

***********

Haneda Airport, Tokyo.

The plane touched down smoothly, and Yuutaka was the first to disembark, his excitement palpable as he skipped down the steps. I followed closely, carrying Hoshino in my arms. His body was light, almost fragile, as he remained unconscious from the tranquilliser. I made my way to the waiting car, carefully placing him in the back seat before sliding in beside him.

Yuutaka clambered into the front seat with Azuma, his face pressed eagerly to the window as he marvelled at the sights of Tokyo. The sheer awe in his voice as he described everything he saw brought a faint smile to my lips. This city, with its towering skyscrapers and endless energy, was a far cry from the quiet simplicity of Izu. I had no doubt Yuutaka would adjust quickly—he was curious, bright, and eager to explore.

As the car began its journey, I glanced down at Hoshino. He was leaning heavily against my shoulder, his peaceful expression starkly different from the fiery defiance he usually directed my way. My right arm supported him, resting gently against his shoulder to keep him from slipping. For a moment, I allowed myself to study his face, tracing the delicate lines and soft contours that had haunted my thoughts for years.

Why do you hate me so much, Hoshino?

I couldn't understand it. Many women had lined up for a chance to be with me, throwing themselves at me, fabricating stories about carrying my child just to hold my attention. Yet Hoshino... he was different. He didn't care about my wealth or status. He never tried to please me, never sought my approval. In fact, he seemed to despise everything I represented.

And yet, despite that, here he was.

I sighed, my gaze softening as it settled on him. I know what happened five years ago was my fault. I know I hurt you, and for that, I'm sorry. My chest tightened with the weight of guilt. I had taken advantage of him when he was drunk, and though I had tried to justify it to myself, the reality was inescapable. I had wronged him.

But then came Yuutaka—a miracle I hadn't expected. When I found out Hoshino was pregnant, I wanted to make things right. I wanted to take responsibility, to provide for both of them in ways Hoshino never could on his own.

You don't have to shoulder this burden alone, Hoshino. Yuutaka doesn't just belong to you. He has a father who can provide for him, protect him, and give him a life far beyond what you can imagine. You don't have to fight me, but I won't let you deny my role in his life.

A faint smile tugged at the corner of my lips. Hoshino had always been stubborn, fiercely independent, and almost annoyingly self-sufficient. I'd never met anyone who hated money the way he did—who didn't see wealth as the ultimate goal. It was one of the many things that made him so different from the people around me.

But there was one thing Hoshino needed to understand. No one could deny my words. Not even him. He had given birth to my child, and that bound us together in a way neither of us could change.

Lost in thought, I found myself leaning down and pressing a soft kiss to the top of Hoshino's head. His hair was silky under my lips, and for a fleeting moment, the world outside the car faded away.

"Daddy, why are you kissing Mum?"

Yuutaka's innocent voice jolted me back to reality. I looked up to find both Yuutaka and Azuma staring at me—Azuma through the rear-view mirror, his lips twitching with suppressed amusement, and Yuutaka giggling uncontrollably in the front seat.

Heat crept up my neck as I realised what I'd done. "I... I wasn't..." I stammered, flustered.

"You were, Daddy! You kissed Mummy!" Yuutaka declared with glee, clapping his hands.

Azuma cleared his throat, but I caught the trace of a smirk on his face. "The young master seems very... affectionate today," he remarked lightly.

I shot him a glare that only made his smirk widen. Turning my attention back to Yuutaka, I forced a calm expression and ruffled his hair. "All right, Yuu-chan. Sit properly and don't tease Daddy," I said, trying to regain some composure.

But Yuutaka only laughed harder, his joy infectious. Despite my embarrassment, I couldn't help but smile.

As we neared the city, I glanced at Hoshino again, his sleeping form still resting against me. My smile faded slightly. You don't trust me now, but I'll change that. For Yuutaka's sake—for our sake—I'll make sure we find a way forward.

No matter how long it took, I was determined to make this work.

Author's POV.

OGATA RESIDENCE, SETAGAYA, TOKYO.

The Ogata residence stood as a testament to wealth and power—a grand modern home nestled within an exclusive enclave in Setagaya. The façade, adorned with tall, Greek-style columns, exuded opulence, its sharp architectural lines softened by meticulous landscaping and glowing ambient lights.

A black limousine pulled to a stop at the entrance, followed closely by several other cars. The sound of car doors opening and shutting broke the quiet sophistication of the neighbourhood. A team of uniformed staff emerged from the grand front doors, moving swiftly to assist their arriving master.

Yuusuke stepped out first, cradling Hoshino in his arms as though he weighed nothing. Hoshino's unconscious form rested against him, a stark contrast to the domineering presence of the man carrying him. Yuutaka, clutching a shiny new toy car—a gift from Yuusuke—followed closely behind, his small steps quick as he trailed Azuma into the house.

Inside, the residence was no less impressive. Marble floors gleamed under intricate chandeliers, and the air carried a faint but pleasant aroma of polished wood and fresh flowers. The living room, spacious and luxurious, was adorned with plush furniture and tasteful art pieces that spoke of refined taste.

"Yuu-chan is hungry," Yuutaka mumbled, breaking the stillness as Azuma helped him settle into a chair in the living room.

The boy's voice was soft but carried the unmistakable tone of fatigue. It had been a long day for him, and the journey to Tokyo had taken its toll. He hadn't eaten since the trip began, and it was now well into the evening.

"What would young master Yuutaka like to eat?" Azuma asked, crouching to Yuutaka's level with a warm smile.

Yuutaka tilted his head curiously. "Why does Azuma-san call Yuu-chan like that?"

Azuma chuckled lightly at the question, his expression softening. "Yuutaka-sama is the son of Yuusuke-sama, so I must address you with respect, young master."

Yuutaka frowned, clearly unimpressed. "Mummy said Yuu-chan must respect his elders, not the other way around." His tone was serious, his small face wearing a pout.

Azuma couldn't help but admire the boy. It was clear Hoshino had raised him well, instilling strong values of respect and politeness. There was no doubt in Azuma's mind that Hoshino had put his heart and soul into raising Yuutaka despite the challenges he had faced alone. A pang of sympathy flickered in Azuma's chest. He knew all too well how relentless and domineering Yuusuke-sama could be. He could only imagine the clash of wills that awaited Hoshino if he continued to resist Yuusuke's plans.

"Azuma? Is something wrong with Yuutaka?"

Yuusuke's voice snapped Azuma out of his thoughts. Straightening immediately, Azuma offered a respectful bow. "Not at all, Yuusuke-sama. Yuutaka-sama was just expressing his hunger."

Yuusuke nodded curtly and moved to sit beside Yuutaka, lifting the boy into his lap. Yuutaka didn't resist, leaning against his father as he fiddled with the toy car in his hands.

"What's the matter, little hero?" Yuusuke asked, pressing a kiss to Yuutaka's neck in an affectionate gesture.

"Yuu-chan is hungry," the boy mumbled, his small hand resting on his stomach.

Yuusuke smiled faintly and looked up. "Azuma, tell the staff to prepare dinner immediately," he ordered, his tone firm but not harsh. Azuma nodded and left to carry out the instructions.

Yuutaka looked up at his father, his lips jutting forward in a small pout. "Yuu-chan wants Mummy's cooking."

Yuusuke's expression softened momentarily before he responded. "Mummy's still sleeping, Yuutaka. Let's eat with Daddy today, hm?" He reached out and gently pinched Yuutaka's nose, his tone playful.

"But—" Yuutaka began, his pout deepening.

"Yuutaka, listen to Daddy," Yuusuke interrupted, his gaze sharpening slightly as he glanced at the boy.

The sternness in his father's tone made Yuutaka blink in surprise. His small shoulders sagged, and he nodded slowly, unwilling to argue further.

"Good boy," Yuusuke said softly, his hand resting on Yuutaka's back in a calming gesture.

As the boy sat quietly in his lap, Yuusuke allowed himself a brief moment of satisfaction. He had brought his family home, and now, he would do whatever it took to keep them there.

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