Far from the chaos of the accident scene, a phone rang sharply, cutting through the stillness of an office.

  "Hello, sir?"

  "Yes, this is Tanaka speaking,"

  He replied, voice steady and professional.

  "Thank goodness! Sir, this is the police. We're calling to inform you of an unfortunate event."

  Tanaka frowned, his grip on the phone tightening.

  "Unfortunate? As far as I know, none of my relatives are involved in anything mischievous. What is this about?”

  The officer hesitated.

  "Sir, have you seen the news tonight?"

  "No, I haven't. I've been busy with my research,"

  Tanaka replied, tone slightly impatient.

  "What's this about?"

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  "I'm sorry for disturbing you, sir, but this is... a complicated matter. Do you know Rai Hazuchi?”

  The name made Tanaka's heart skip. "Yes, of course I do! He's like a son to me... It can't be—!"

  He stopped himself, inhaling sharply he tried to steady his voice.

  No No. I need to calm down. Don't make assumptions. Rai wouldn't... he wouldn't…

  He exhaled slowly before continuing.

  "I apologize for losing my composure, but Rai is not the kind of child to get involved in trouble. Stop stalling and tell me what happened!"

  The officer finally spoke. "Sir, Rai was involved in an accident this evening. We're currently at the scene."

  Tanaka’s heart plummeted.

  “An accident?! What kind of accident? What happened?”

  His voice rose, trembling with disbelief.

  The officer explained carefully, his words heavy.

  "According to the driver, Rai suddenly crossed the road while traffic was moving. He appeared absent-minded, lost in thought, and didn't realize he was in the middle of the road. The driver couldn't stop or swerve in time, and... he ran Rai over.”

  Tanaka staggered, gripping his desk for support.

  "What's his condition? Is he alive? I'm coming over now!"

  He was already grabbing his coat, fumbling to put it on as he spoke.

  The officer's tone grew heavier.

  "That's the issue, sir. While it's certain Rai was hit by the truck... we haven't been able to find him."

  Tanaka froze mid-motion, the phone slipping from his fingers, clattering to the floor.

  "What?!"

  He exclaimed, his voice breaking.

  He picked the phone back up, his knuckles white as he gripped it tightly.

  “You can’t find him?! What does that mean? He was hit, wasn’t he? Then where is he?!”

  The officer struggled for words.

  "We've conducted a thorough search. Witnesses saw the accident. The footage shows him being hit. But despite all that... there's no trace of Rai's body. It's as if he vanished."

  Tanaka's knees gave way, and he sank into his chair, trembling.

  "No... No, no, no... It can't be. Not Rai. Not him too…”

  His mind reeled, his thoughts clouded by despair. Images of Rai’s bright smile, his laughter, and the warmth he brought to those around him flashed through his mind.

  "Why... Even You Rai, the sole remaining member from the family...Why did this have to happen to the Hazuchi family? Why so much pain, so much loss... all for them?!"

  Tanaka's voice cracked as he shouted.

  His sobs echoed through the room, raw and unrestrained.

  Tears streamed down his face as grief consumed him.