Page 100 of Sixty Meters Under

“I know, and I don’t fault your judgement,” Ryosuke said. “But these circumstances made me change my view of my relationship with your daughter. And on top of that, I will soon be convicted.”

“Your situation doesn’t change my view of you. I know your father and I know you. You wouldn’t even step on a bug, let alone kill someone.”

Ryosuke took a deep breath and looked ahead. “Ayame will be sad and disappointed once it happens.”

“It will not happen. Your father won’t allow it.”

A brief pause before they heard someone open the door. Ryosuke looked up with hope in his eyes, expecting thisuncomfortable conversation would come to an end. When he saw who entered the room his breath caught in his throat.

Lennart!

Butterflies fluttered inside Ryosuke’s stomach, and his face heated as he felt a different kind of nervousness than a moment ago. Anticipation mixed with dread; he was excited but also terrified to see Lennart once more.

“I’m sorry if I’m interrupting. I can come back later,” Lennart said when he noticed Ryosuke having a visit. He was about to turn and leave, but Hiroshi stopped him. “You don’t have to leave. I was about to go.” Hiroshi raised to his feet then turned back to Ryosuke. “Think about it. Ayame would be immensely happy if you change your mind.”

Ryosuke nodded. “I’ll consider it.”

“Thank you.”

With these words Hiroshi left. Lennart walked over to the bed and rested his hands on the back of the chair. “How are you feeling?”

Ryosuke sucked in a sharp breath; it wasn’t what he expected to hear. He thought Lennart would start questioning him right from the door. His eyes wandered around the room briefly, before locking his gaze with Lennart. “I’m okay.”

Lennart’s piercing eyes watched him.

“That’s good to hear.” Lennart broke eye contact and cleared his throat.

“I came here to finish our conversation.”

“I’ve realized.”

“You told me you hit Scarlett.”

“I did.”

“Why did you hit her?”

Ryosuke knew that would be the next question. He bit his inner cheek and looked at white walls, recalling.

“What happened while you were in that restroom?” Lennart added and seated himself in the chair.

Ryosuke shook his head.

“You can tell me.” Lennart nonchalantly added. “I will keep your secret, if you don’t want others to know.”

Ryosuke looked at him in disbelief. “Convict me right now if you want, but I do not wish to talk about it.”

Lennart tilted his head to the side. “Why so? Was your motive indeed so atrocious that you don’t want to tell me?”

Ryosuke took a deep shaky breath and closed his eyes. “It probably wouldn’t seem so atrocious to you, but for me–”

“Ineedto know,” Lennart said in a demanding manner that made Ryosuke open his eyes and give him an inquiring look.

“Will it make any difference?” Ryosuke asked but felt skeptical about it.

“Of course. Only if you tell me the reason. And the truth.”

They stared at each other for a moment, when Lennart added, “Please.”