Chapter 16

That evening, he couldn't sleep a blink. After hearing what happened to Raven, he couldn't stop worrying. He wanted to visit her but he knew well enough that it's already late in the evening. All he can do right now was to ensure that Raven's already fine.

He sighed when he heard the beep on his phone, signaling that Rowie answered his call. "Hello, Shin-kun?" she whispered with a sniff.

It feels strange for her to call me by my name, Shin thought.

"Rowie," he said, relief to hear her voice after a day without seeing her. "I just want to know if Raven's already okay? And I'm sorry to disturb you this late. I'm just worried." He sounded defensive but if Rowie noticed, she let on.

"She's okay now, Shin-kun, you don't have to say sorry, too." She said. A seconds of silence, followed by a sob, Rowie said, "she needs to be operated as soon as possible."

Shin stood and spaced out in his room. He wanted so bad to comfort her and hug her right now but he couldn't. "Shh... don't cry, Rowie. Everything's going to be just fine. Raven's a tough cookie and she's going to beat her Leukemia."

"Yes, she's strong! But I knew enough of the circumstances that she's already having a hard time fighting. She must be smiling in front of everyone but I knew better. I saw it a while ago, Shin."

Damn! Focus, you idiot, Shin scolded himself.

"Okay, just calm down and let this evening pass by... rest... sleep. Don't stress yourself and I'll do what I can to help. I'll stop by tomorrow to pay a visit, okay?"

Rowie didn't answer. She was about to ask what's his plan but the phone was already disconnected. She stared at her phone before looking back at his sleeping little sister. She looked calm now and peaceful compared to a while ago.

Shin tried to sleep so he won't be late for tomorrow. He left a message to his godfather before laying down at his bed. The last thing he thought was Rowie's crying face and what he's going to do to put that attractive smile back again.

He woke up at 7 in the morning and saw a message from his godfather saying to meet him at a coffee shop at 8 in the morning. He still has 1 hour to prepare. He had a second thought visiting Raven because of the time but chose to go to the shop earlier than planned.

He wore a simple blue polo and jeans with white converse shoes. He borrowed his brother's car which he seldom uses because he also has a police car for work.

Entering the shop, he was shocked to see his godfather earlier than him. He fixed his hair one last time before ambling near him. Kazuto sipped from his coffee. When he saw his godson approaching him, he smiled politely and proud.

"Shin, it's been half a year since I saw you. You look taller and broader," he said and gave him a manly hug.

"Thank you and I'm sorry to call after half a year. I'm sorry for calling because of a favor," he apologized sincerely. He sat in front of him uncomfortably, feeling sorry for not keeping in touch with his godfather slash friend slash buddy.

"Nonsense! You don't have to apologize because of that. You're already like a son to me, a buddy and my best friend." He ordered a coffee for Shin as well before stating, "I see that you badly want to help this specific someone so tell me," he encouraged him, taking another sip from his coffee.

Shin sighed, tried to sip on his coffee but tasted nothing. "I wanted to help Rowie and her Family," he simply said. Kazuto listened, curious on who's this Rowie girl. "I wanted to help them but I know she'll refuse my offer to pay for the expenses."

Rhonwen nodded and said, "You're aware that she'll refuse so why are you still doing this?" He lifted an eyebrow at him curiously. He rested his elbow at the table and intertwined his fingers in front. If Shin's really motivated to help, he needed to hear everything from him.

"Tell them that you're doing it for free. That's why I asked for you because you're the only person I know who can do this. If you'll tell them that you're from an organization, I know that they'll gladly accept the operation."

"You want me to cure her for free?"

"Kind of. But I promise to pay you with my money instead. In that way, Rowie will assume that you helped them." He's desperate now. This was the only way he can pull to help Rowie's family, especially Raven.

"Do you think I'll accept that?" he said in a serious voice. His face told Shin that this was a serious matter and there's no way he's going to accept easily.

Shin's shoulders softened and his face showed sadness. He wanted to give up. This was the only way he knows and yet... "But –"

Kazuto relaxed his back at his chair and crossed his arms on his chest. "Do you think I'll let my godson pay? No way! I'll do it, the operation, I mean. I won't charge her and her family, and even you," he smirked.

He looked at his godfather dumbfounded. "You mean... what? But it's embarrassing... I mean." He looked for something to reason to him. In the end, he couldn't find anything so he sipped on his coffee instead.

"You had the guts to serve me with those things about how much you wanted to help this Rowie girl. All you have to do is introduce this girl to me. I want to meet the girl my godson admires that he's willing to go to this extent."

Midorina smiled. With joy, he ended up ordering another coffee for the two of them. They chatted until they couldn't find anything to say anymore. He imagined how Rowie would react in case she discovered about Raven's operation. How he wish that this plan would just remain as a secret forever. He doesn't want to keep a secret from her but he couldn't think of any other option to help her and Raven. She'll just surely decline his offer of help in case he told her about this.

"Thank you so much for listening to me. And also, I will forever be indebted to you." Shin said while they're both standing up to leave. Kazuto has still business to do and he's needed at the hospital right now.

"You don't have to say it that way. I'm your godfather and I'll always be there to help you whenever I can. This is just a simple matter," he said, giving him a pat on his shoulder.

"Well, it isn't. Rowie's family will surely be more than glad with your help." Shin smiled and Kazuto was aware that this is something important for his godson. He's proud that his godson is starting to grow up into a man.

"I badly want to stay and talk to you but I'm already needed at the hospital right now. I hope that this will not be the last time we'll have a cup of coffee."

"Of course! I'm looking forward for more."

Shin stayed for another minute before standing up to visit Raven. He wanted so bad to inform Rowie about the operation with his godfather but he thought about it deeper. If he's going to say it now, they'll just interrogate him more and it may come to them about this meeting. He won't risk it. Not right now. He just have to be patient and tell everything to Rowie after Raven's okay.