Untouched by the Outbreak

As the morning light filtered through the windows, Ryo woke with a heavy heart, the events of the previous night weighing on his conscience. He dragged himself out of bed, his steps heavy as he made his way to the bathroom, seeking solace in the hot shower. The water cascaded over him, but it did little to wash away the guilt that clung to him like a second skin.

When he emerged from the bathroom, towel-wrapped around his waist, he found Aiko standing by the doorway, her eyes downcast, her expression unreadable. He offered her a tentative smile, but she merely nodded in response, her silence speaking volumes.

"Your turn," he muttered, gesturing towards the bathroom. Aiko hesitated, her gaze flitting around the room before she finally nodded and slipped past him into the shower.

Alone in the dimly lit room, Ryo sank onto the edge of the bed, his mind swirling with conflicting emotions. He replayed the events of the previous night, his heart aching with the weight of his betrayal. How could he have let things go so far? The guilt gnawed at him, a constant reminder of his own shortcomings.

With a heavy sigh, Ryo reached for his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he dialed Sakura's number. He knew he had to tell her the truth, no matter how difficult it would be.

The phone rang, each ring like a hammer blow to his heart. Finally, Sakura's voice came through the line, her tone guarded and distant. "Ryo?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.

Ryo closed his eyes, steeling himself for the conversation ahead. "Sakura, I... I need to talk to you," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "I have something important to tell you."

There was a long pause, heavy with anticipation. "Go on," Sakura said, her voice strained.

Ryo took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "I... I met someone," he confessed, his voice cracking. "Her name is Aiko. She's... she's here with me now."

Another pause, this one laden with hurt and disappointment. "I see," Sakura said quietly, her voice breaking slightly. "And... did something happen between you two?"

Ryo closed his eyes, the guilt washing over him in waves. "Yes," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm sorry, Sakura. I never meant to hurt you."

Sakura's voice was quiet for a moment, her emotions warring within her. "I forgive you, Ryo," she said eventually, her voice thick with unshed tears. "But I need you to promise me something."

Ryo's heart clenched at the sound of her pained voice. "Anything," he said earnestly. "Just tell me what you need."

"Promise me that she'll be the last," Sakura said, her voice firm. "Promise me that you won't betray my trust again."

Ryo's eyes stung with tears. "I promise, Sakura," he vowed, his voice filled with determination. "I'll do whatever it takes to make things right."

There was a moment of silence, heavy with unspoken emotions. "Thank you, Ryo," Sakura whispered, her voice cracking. "Please come home soon. I miss you."

As Ryo hung up the phone, a sense of determination washed over him. He knew he had to make amends, not just for Sakura, but for Aiko as well. He had to prove himself worthy of their trust and love.

With purpose in his steps, Ryo set to work, gathering the necessary materials to create an omamori—a protective charm imbued with his blood. He carefully crafted the charm, using a piece of Aiko's clothing and a vial of his own blood. Once it was finished, he presented it to Aiko, explaining its purpose and the protection it would offer.

Aiko accepted the omamori with a mixture of gratitude and awe, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I'll keep it with me always."

Ryo nodded, his gaze softening. "I'll do everything in my power to keep you safe," he vowed, his voice steady. "And I promise to be worthy of your trust."

With the omamori in hand, Aiko's safety assured, and his promise to Sakura weighing heavily on his mind, Ryo prepared to leave. He knew he had a long road ahead of him, filled with challenges and obstacles, but he was determined to face them head-on, to prove himself worthy of the love and forgiveness he had received.

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