I quickly drive away after dropping off Sakura back at her parents' house. There are so many emotions running through me that I'm unfamiliar with. I just don't know how to handle them. For once in my life, I act cowardly by running away from the situation. I race through the empty streets until I reach the office. I head directly to my office and lock myself in. I try to focus my attention to the never-ending pile of paperwork sitting on my desk. Irritation and agitation prevents me from focusing. Why the hell do feel so restless... 

KNOCK KNOCK. "What." one of the members timidly open the door. I must've come across very harsh. He stands there, shakily holding an envelope in his hand, but doesn't speak. He must be the new guy. I don't have time for this crap. "What do you want." He opens his mouth and closes it, like a goldfish. "Spit it out." He gulps and his knees begin to shake. He suddenly thrusts the envelope he's holding in front of him and bows his head. "This are for you Sir! I mean, Boss!" I sigh as I roughly take it from him. "You can leave now." He bows again before hastily leaving my office.

The only writing on the white envelop was my name. It's not even written, it's printed. I toss it aside on my desk. It's the least of my worries right now. I slouch in my chair as I absentmindedly stare at the ceiling. Why do I always feel this way when Sakura talks to other men. Who the hell is he. I have the right to get jealous over an ex, right? I heave another sigh. Relationships aren't for mafia leaders. As I loosen my tie and run my hand through my hair, I get a text from Eisuke. It says, "Get on." 

I turn on my computer and launch the program we use to video chat with each other when any one of us are away. The program connects me and Eisuke, and everyone sitting in the lounge fills the screen. "Let's begin. This meeting is about our next auction. I'm thinking about holding it...." Eisuke starts the meeting. I have my poker face on as usual, but Eisuke's voice just goes through one ear and out the other. Silence fills the room. Nobody is talking. What happened?  I clear my throat. "Don't make me repeat myself, Soryu." Eisuke says, rather annoyed. "Sorry, I think the connection was off." I try to play it off coolly. Eisuke raises an eyebrow but repeats his question. I reply with a brisk "That's fine." After that, Eisuke ends the meeting. Baba takes the chance before I disconnect to ask me a question. "So Soryu, how's Sakura and the meeting-the-parents ordeal?" He gives his michevious look. "Fine." I must have replied too monotonously, because Baba instantly picks up something is not right. Ota joins in. "Oooooh, someone must have gotten in trouuubblee~~! Wouldn't it be so funny if Soryu found out about Sakura's past and that it was filled with deep dark secrets?" He gives his angelic smile as he says this. 

"None of your concern. I'm disconnecting now." I say irritated. "No wait!" Baba cries out. I sigh and say, "what do you want." Baba's expression changes to a serious one. "I'm not sure what's going on, but let me give you some advice. Communication is key for a relationship to work. She must feel comfortable telling you everything, and vice versa. I know you're a man of few words, and probably a cold heart, but you have to talk to Sakura." His expression changes again into his goofy self and he disconnects us as he waves goodbye. 

Open communication. Talk to Sakura. I bury my head into my hands. I have a headache. I don't usually listen to other people, especially not Baba. But I guess he has a point. Plus, I don't know what else to do in this case. I slowly get up, fix my hair and tie, and get ready to leave, when the envelope I received earlier catches my eye. I furrow my brows as I stare at the envelope. Something just bothers me. I place my briefcase back onto the desk, and pick up the envelope. I hold it up to take a closer look when suddenly a gentle waft of Sakura's familiar scent surrounds me. What the... 

I tear open the envelope and dump out the contents onto my desk. My eyes open wide as my mind tries to piece everything together. It's a lock of Sakura's hair. Beside it is a small slip of paper with the words "Let's play a game. Only one winner. Its not you. The end." typed on it. I slam my fists onto my desk. Whoever this bastard is I'm going to kill him. I rush out of my office and yell for Samejima and Inui. They look startled at my current condition but they don't comment. "Get the car ready. The armored one. And get reinforcements. Now!" I bark out orders and the instantly scatter to get them fufilled. I made a promise to you, Sakura. I promised to protect you no matter what. I may not know my emotions very well, but I sure damn know that I can keep a promise. I swear on my life as the leader of the Ice Dragons I will find you and save you. Wait for me, I'm coming. 

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I get everyone to wait outside Sakura's parents' house as I enter alone first. The family is sitting in the living room area, watching TV. I cough to get their attention. Sakura's father turns his head first and waves me over. "Oh hey Soryu! Welcome back. Take a seat!" I sit down in an empty spot and I clear my throat. "I have something very important to tell everyone here." I say seriously. Sakura's father turns down the volume for the TV and everyone directs their attention at me. Sakura's mother is smiling at me. "Out of respect, I would like to tell you what my profession is." Sakura's father opens his mouth to speak, but I hold out my hand to stop him. "Please, let me finish. We don't have much time. What I am about to tell you may shock or anger you, but please hear me out to the end, for your daughter's sake. I am the leader of a mafia group called the Ice Dragons. Yes, I am a mobster. We are based in Hong Kong, but have an extremely strong and powerful presence in Japan, as well as several other countries now. Sakura knew about this, and still agreed to be together with me. I do not wish to put her in danger, ever. But she is now missing." Sakura's father's expression darkens and Sakura's mother gasps and looks as if she is on the verge of tears. "I have my entire team with me waiting outside. I do not know if this is because of my occupation, or for another reason. But I promised her that I would keep her safe, no matter what, and I have been able to keep my promise thus far. I will make the same promise to you. If you are angry at me, I understand. But please let me help you find your daughter. It will be much faster than calling the police." 

After a moment of silence for what I've just said to sink in, Sakura's mother almost inaudibly whispers, "we have no choice, do we?" I stand up and for the first time in my life, I bowed down low to Sakura's family. "I am very sorry." Sakura's father moves to sit next to her mother to comfort her. I walk out of the living room, with renewed determination to find my fiancé. I usher my men inside to get set up. I take out my phone to text Eisuke. "Heisenberg". In a matter of seconds I get a reply back, "Walter." I'm going to owe him big for this favor...

I place my phone back into my pocket, close my eyes, and take a deep breath. I open my eyes, and march back into the house, calling out orders left to right. From the corner of my eye, I see Sakura's family staring at us with horror, anger, sadness, and anxiousness. I made a promise . And I will keep it. 

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Hello hello~
Thanks so much for all the support everyone! I've had a busy busy month at school, but I passed all my exams! Hope everyone's exams and assignments are going well! Add oil!! I wonder who would cut a girls hair other than a hair stylist? That's is just the cruelest thing you could possibly do! Find out soon ;)

- VY