Chapter Text
As Q-Taro turns down a back road, keeping his headlights dimmed not to draw unwanted eyes, he has to wonder how he got here. Only two months ago, he would have laughed in someone’s face if they told him this would be his life. Leaving it all behind in the dead of night to once more escape with those he holds closest was never in the retirement plans. However, the same could be said of being put in a death game.
It was a scenario even the most strategic would be struck dumb to be stuck in. How could anyone process waking up with a collar around their neck and instructions to kill the strangers around them? Even now, looking back on those days makes Q-Taro’s head spin in a daze of disbelief. Yet, two managed to stand firm and lead them from hell before blood was spilled. Sara, a girl so young, stood tall as an unshakable leader. Shin, a man who looked so weak, hacked their collars and let them go free. Because of them, everyone had the chance to leave the facility with vows to stay connected.
If that’s where the story ended, Q-Taro wouldn’t be here now. It didn’t take long for events to remind them of their new reality.
Q-Taro would see them, people watching as he played on the field. They would never cheer as he hit a home run, or frown in disapproval when he missed a swing. In all means, they seemed indifferent, yet they tore their stares away.
It wasn’t long before he received texts reporting much of the same. Keiji told of being followed home from the store, Reko would say she was tailed as she drove home from band practice, Nao would talk about other students who seemed to know too much. Each message received sent a wave of cold chills crawling down Q-Taro’s back with realization. The lives they once lived have ended.
That notion seems ever so apparent as he turns down another road. Normalcy as they know it has been changed forever. Those long nights Q-Taro spent drinking with his team and training for the next competition will be replaced by long nights of sipping coffee and chatting with good company.
One of those good companies sits in the passenger seat. Kai’s neck turned to stare at the back window to guarantee they aren’t being followed. Neither man can be sure where they’ll go from here, but it doesn’t matter. Once ASU-NARO is off their backs, they’ll no longer need to hide from the organization that could never let them go.