As usual, even during my precious middle school graduation, my mom were crying—not because of joy, but because...
"I'm sorry, Akira," my mom whispered, wiping her tears. "I don't think me and your father can support you financially in high school."
My father used to run a small business, but it went bankrupt. He did everything he could to make sure his employees got their benefits, even if it meant borrowing a huge amount of money.
"Mom… Is the person Dad borrowed money from asking for it now?"
She nodded silently, more tears falling as she smiled faintly through them.
"Don't worry. Your dad went to ask her for an extension."
But then—a loud knock interrupted us, echoing through our small home like thunder.
I opened the door and froze. Standing there was a tall woman in a sleek, expensive dress. She had short hair, wore glasses, and had this overwhelming aura of power. Two bodyguards stood behind her like statues.
My mom peeked behind me—and the moment she saw the woman, she dropped to her knees.
"Hayase-sama! Why the sudden visit? I thought my husband went to speak with you—"
"Oh, he did." The woman smiled coldly. "He begged for a one-year extension on your three million yen debt. I refused. He made a scene, so now he's cooling off in a police station."
Mom lowered her head until it nearly touched the floor.
"I'm so sorry! Please, I beg you—if he's imprisoned, we'll lose any chance of paying back the debt!"
I just stood there. This was... too heavy. It reeks of adult problem. But watching my mom like that—kneeling, crying—I couldn't stay silent.
I stepped forward, swallowing my nerves.
"U-uhm… This might be my fault. I didn't want to give up on school so we ended up saving nothing… but please. If you arrest my dad, there's no way we'll ever be able to repay you."
The woman looked at me. Just one glance, and my whole body tensed.
Then—she reached out.
I flinched, thinking she'd slap me—but instead, her fingers gently touched my chin, lifting my face up.
"...Hey, Miyako. This is your son, right?"
My mom looked up, face pale, and nodded quickly.
"What a cute boy," the woman muttered, her tone oddly amused.
She turned away from me and walked to my mom, placing a hand on her shoulder like a predator offering comfort to prey.
"Give me your son. I'll erase your debt. I'll also forget what your husband did."
Wait, what!?
Is she planning to enslave me or something!?
"But… he's my son," Mom whispered, voice trembling.
The woman leaned closer, smiling with that same strange, calm confidence.
"Don't worry, Miyako. I'll take good care of him~"
She turned back to me, her eyes almost glowing with interest.
"How about it, dear? Come with me, and your family will be free. I'm sure you want to help your parents, right?"
Everything in my chest tightened. But the answer came instantly. This must be the most logical answer I have for this moment.
"...Yes. I'll come with you."
"Akira! No!" My mom's voice cracked as fresh tears streamed down her face. "You don't have to do this! Let us fix the mistake we made!"
"How, Mom? Three million yen… there's no way we can pay that off, even if we all worked for years!"
The woman stepped beside me, gently patting my head.
"What a brave boy. Shall we go, then?"
"Just… let me talk to my mom for a bit."
"Hmm. Of course. I'll wait outside."
I helped Mom up and sat her down on the couch. She was still crying, and it tore something inside me.
I wiped her face gently and hugged her tight.
"Mom, don't worry. I'm not a kid anymore."
"If that woman does anything to you… don't be scared to tell us, okay?"
"I don't think she will. I have a weird feeling… like, she's kind somewhere deep down."
As I left, I couldn't stop the tears anymore. But I wiped them fast. Mom didn't need to see me cry—she needed to see someone strong.
Outside, the woman waited in a sleek black car. The door opened.
"Come. Sit beside me."
I obeyed quietly. The moment I sat, she said nothing—just stared at me.
It felt awkward, so I decided to break the silence.
"Uhm… what am I supposed to do for you?"
She smiled. Not a scary one this time—just calm. Dangerous, but almost gentle.
"Don't worry. You don't have to do anything."
She leaned closer, her voice soft but firm.
"I just took a liking to you, cutie. So I decided to make you mine, that's all."
"...Huh?"
P.S. this is just a prologue so it's just short, upcoming chapters will be atleast 1000 words.
Thanks for reading!