Chapter 51 – Risa (3)
Over dinner, Hiroyuki informed Jiro of the job opening. Jiro's face was obviously overjoyed. In the next few days, Jiro prepared himself for the interview. He asked for a day off and went with Jiro to work.
In the office building, Jiro felt shy and nervous. He hadn't felt like this since he came home and found his mother was gone. He had waited for her to return. And the waiting gnawed at him as his fear intensified. Then he simply left that place, because the landlord kept banging on his door. Once he left, it was impossible to return.
Jiro licked his lips, a bad habit he needed to stop.
As he thought about it, he closed his eyes.
It's okay. It's fine. Even if you don't get the job, you still have your landscaping job.
Jiro tried very hard to convince himself that the world would be fine. That he would be fine. Although he lacked the self-confidence he needed, but he no longer had the same self-critical self-scolding.
Since he met Hiroyuki, Jiro had decided he would live for them. He would fight for their love and make sure they would become a happy couple, making his life fulfilled. Before Hiroyuki, Jiro didn't know where to go. Now that he had Hiroyuki, he knew his life's direction.
When the office administrator called his name, Jiro pulled himself together and entered the interview room.
Later that afternoon, paperwork landed on Hiroyuki's desk.
"We'd like to hire this individual," the office administrator said.
Hiroyuki nodded, and then when she left, he took out his phone and texted Jiro with the good news.
Jiro didn't need to quit his landscaping job. He was now efficient and could do things quickly. He and Soma discussed his job being only a few days a week.
As for the security job, that was also part-time and at night. It was something he had to do in order to gain enough experience. Once he had enough experience, he could work full time.
On his day of security work, Jiro was nervous. He had come in for training. An older man, about 50 years old looked at Jiro and gruffly said, "So, you're the new recruit."
"Yes, sir."
Jiro's respectful attitude gave the older man a good impression and when he spoke again, his voice wasn't as distant. It could be said to be slightly warm.
The older man walked Jiro around the building. At night, there weren't many office workers left in the building. The older man, whose name was Kobayashi, told Jiro who liked to work late and who was having an affair using their office as a free hotel room.
When Jiro heard what Kobayashi said, he was alarmed as he thought he knew things he should know, but then he remembered he could discuss these things with Hiroyuki.
The night watch was only for six hours. And the older man and Jiro took turns taking nap. The first hour was spent patrolling around the first floor. Then the next four hours were spent watching the security screens. At this time, the older man took a nap first, then it would be Jiro's turn. Afterwards, the older man woke up and Jiro was allowed to take a nap. Jiro didn't feel too tired, but he decided to sleep. Then the last hour of the shift was spent patrolling the first floor again. The security guards didn't need to patrol the top floors, as the elevators required an electronic keycard and all the offices needed fingerprint scans to open.
And not to mention all the security cameras. These cameras picked up on every little movement and would display it on the screen. And once a person left the building after 7 pm, they could not get back inside. Unless it was urgent, most employees wouldn't bother coming back. Because it was a huge hassle for them to get security to let them in.
Jiro settled down to his new job. He worked two part-time jobs and both Soma and Kobayashi were kind to him. Soma would even pack Jiro late night snack for his night job. As for Kobayashi, he liked to impart his knowledge and tell Jiro stories from his youth, from the days before all this technology.
Everything was going well, until Jiro met a pretty girl.
Chapter 52 – Risa (4)
In the coffee house, Risa sat across from Jiro. Her pretty face had signs of haggardness. She smiled courteously at Jiro.
"Do you know who I am? She asked, coquettishly.
Of course Jiro knew who she was. He had worn her clothes once before after all. He had also found a photograph of her in the apartment. But the moment he and Hiroyuki confirmed their relationship, the photograph was thrown into the trash.
"So, you're Hiroyuki's room mate right?"
Jiro nodded.
"Then you must know who he's dating right?"
Her face was smug. The face of pretty girls who knew they could be unreasonable due to their good looks.
Jiro nodded.
"Who is she?"
Jiro looked at Risa before saying, "Someone at work."
It wasn't a lie. But it wasn't the complete truth either. Jiro knew that most people wouldn't accept homosexuality. Gay marriage wasn't legal in Japan. That's why he kept the information to himself.
If Hiroyuki could protect their love, then Jiro would do his best to protect it as well.
Risa said, "And her name?"
Jiro shook his head. "He didn't tell me, but I have heard him call her a wild cat."
A puzzled expression appeared as Risa pointed her lips. "I see."
Then she graciously thanked Jiro for his time and paid for their beverages. She feigned disappointment at the fact that she had to run because of another appointment. After she left, Jiro finished his cup of burnt tasting cheap coffee. Jiro had learned from drinking coffee with Hiroyuki that certain coffee houses would burn their coffee under the guise of a dark roast and claim it for good coffee. Names like French roast and Italian Café roast fooled unknowledgeable coffee drinkers into buying bad coffee.
Like pretty women who wore fancy clothes to make themselves appear better than they actually are.
Jiro walked home, his heart a mess. Although Hiroyuki was his now, but he couldn't help worry. What if Hiroyuki wanted to go back to his exgirlfriend? After all, it didn't seem like Hiroyuki wanted to make love with a man. He had found condoms and lubricant in the apartment, when he first moved in. So, he knew Hiroyuki had made love with her before.
And the more he thought, the more upset Jiro became.
He began to question Hiroyuki's love for him. And then he felt guilty for doing so. There were just so many things he wasn't certain of and it made him confused and unhappy. Why was life so hard?
In the early morning hours, Jiro came home. He had clocked out of work at 4 am. He had taken the early train home. As he walked inside, he quickly showered and collapsed into bed. He wasn't normally exhausted, but the events of the day had thoroughly tired him out.
Sometimes thinking to much can be more bothersome and tiring than manual labor.
He laid down next to Hiroyuki. And Hiroyuki turned on his side to pull the younger man into his arms. Jiro hurt with worry, shoved Hiroyuki away. Not expecting to be shoved away, Hiroyuki fully awakened.
"What's the matter?" he asked.
"Nothing," Jiro answered. But his voice sounded hoarse, like he was on the verge of tears. He didn't want to act unruly. He didn't want to lash out at his lover. But he didn't know why he was acting this way. He felt terrible.
"Jiro," Hiroyuki's voice was gentle. "I love you."
Chapter 53 – Risa (5)
"I love you," Hiroyuki said. His voice was incredibly soft. As he neared Jiro's lips, he planted a kiss.
After Hiroyuki pulled away, Jiro said, "I'm sorry."
There was remorse in his tone.
"It's just . . . we've been together for a long time. . . but I want to have. . . and you don't want it."
The words were a jumbled mess and Hiroyuki had to ask, "What do you want?"
In the darkness, Jiro's face reddened. He was glad that it was not daytime. He was glad his lover could not see him. "I want to do . . . that."
Hiroyuki wasn't someone knew to love. He had an inkling of what Jiro was trying to get at. Then he chuckled. The sound was deep, but warm.
"I have never had a male lover before," Hiroyuki began. "I wasn't sure if you wanted to go further and I didn't know how to ask."
"I have always wanted to go further," Jiro admitted shyly. If it was with Hiroyuki, then Jiro wanted to go further.
"What to do," Hiroyuki worriedly said.
"What?" Jiro asked, a hint of concern in his voice.
"I'm too tired now."
Jiro knew he was being teased. He pouted. "I didn't mean now."
Hiroyuki said, "Let's go to a love hotel."
With a red face, Jiro let out a sound of agreement. Just like that, they had made plans to further their intimate relationship. Jiro fell asleep, thinking happy thoughts. While Hiroyuki wondered what caused Jiro to suddenly lash out.
As the day for their planned getaway grew closer, Hiroyuki seemed normal. Too normal in Jiro's opinion. Shouldn't they be preparing? Buying the necessities for that? Jiro didn't speak up because he was afraid Hiroyuki would think he's nagging. And Jiro didn't want to be seen in that light. He had nevr liked nagging because his mother is an avid nagger.
And it couldn't be blamed on Jiro. He was very much inexperienced when it came to that. In fact, Jiro's closest encounter with anyone besides family members was a little girl. In elementary school, while on a field trip to the zoo, Jiro was paired up with a girl who sat near him in class, because his regular desk partner was out sick. To prevent the students from wandering off by themselves, the school recommended for the students to hold hands. And so he held that girl's hand, until both their hands were sweaty from a long day of walking. Afterwards, Jiro had a fondness for that little girl. Sadly, in middle school, he overheard a few of the popular boys in the locker room discuss how the girl had been selling herself to middle aged business men.
That made Jiro sad. A few months later, the girl had gotten pregnant and quietly faded from Jiro's life.
Jiro's anxiousness grew and grew until the day before their getaway, he aske "Should we buy some things?"
"Things?" Hiroyuki asked in puzzlement, yet there was an amused look on his face.
"For the getaway," Jiro helplessly explained.
"The hotel provides it all."
"I didn't know," Jiro blushed at his own stupidity.
"Is it your first time?"
Jiro made small nodding movements. His embarrassment obvious.
Hiroyuki laughed because it made him happy to know that Jiro was oblivious to how love hotels functioned and also because Jiro was simply too cute.
Chapter 54 – Risa (6)
After checking into the room, Jiro was beyond nervous. He felt a bit worried, like he would lose himself and yet, at the same time a sense of expectation welled inside, wanting to consummate their relationship. He was looking forward to expanding their intimacy. It was something he wanted done because he wanted to feel, no share himself with the person he loved. He wanted Hiroyuki to know this act of giving himself to another was special. It was not something done with reluctance nor for material possessions. It was a gift.
They had the room for 4 hours. Jiro didn't know that these hotels were paid by the hour.
The room had a heart shaped theme. Everything was pink or white in color with hearts everywhere. The bed was heart shaped. The pillows were satin and shaped like hearts. There was also a television set with access to free pornography. On the side was a brightly lit vending machine which sold anything from lubricants to a soft rubbery penis.
Jiro studied all the wares inside the vending machine. Hiroyuki asked him what he would like to buy. Jiro pointed to a bottle of lubricant, especially made for anuses. There was a bottle of muscle relaxants, but Jiro was wary of being deceived by snake oil, and so he didn't ask for it.
After they bought the lubricant, Hiroyuki took off his clothes and Jiro also did as well. Then they went into the adjoining washroom, where they washed up. Hiroyuki and Jiro had researched gay sex online and realized that they needed to prepare Jiro's insides. It requires cleaning it out, and the hotel had a special hose for that.
It felt uncomfortable and awkward to be invaded. But once Jiro grew accustomed to the strangeness, he relaxed. He was cleaned out and then dried. Afterwards, he was carried to bed and gently laid down. The two men passionately gazed at each other, as their lips met. Tongues twisting, searching for the deepest depths. Their bodies warmed up from the pleasure. The sensation of their hardness rubbing together, caused Jiro to moan loudly.
Hiroyuki poured a good amount of lubricant onto his hands, rubbed it and then he began to finger Jiro. It felt good and when Hiroyuki felt Jiro was good enough, he entered. And then the pain spread because Hiroyuki was bigger than the fingers he had used before. But gradually the pain subsided and a new intense pleasure electrified him.
By the time, the 4 hours were up, Hiroyuki ended carrying a deeply asleep Jiro outside. The little sprite nuzzled up to him in the taxi and then Hiroyuki carried him up the stairs and tucked him into bed.
Hiroyuki leaned in and kissed Jiro. Afterwards, a self-satisfied smile hung on his lips.
It wasn't until the next morning when Jiro woke up to find himself back home. If not for the residual pain in his backside, he would have thought yesterday's events were all a dream, conjured from his desire.
Jiro looked at his lover's sleeping face and he felt satisfied with everything. But when his lover opened his eyes, Jiro turned shy and hid hsis face beeath the lanekt. He felt Hiroyuki kiss the top of his head and her heart melted into a puddle of goo. He felt incredibly hapy. It had been a long time since he felt this happy.
Hiroyuki nuzzled his lips against Jiro's soft hair. He never knew before that being in love with someone else could make him feel invincible. He felt like he had the strength to climb a mountain or the ability to survive getting one of his kidneys ripped from his body. Love empowers those in love with a sense of undeniable strength. Now that he knew love, whatever relationships he had before were all imitations of true love. The imitation was enough for him to get by, but it did not fulfil him. It did not fee his soul.
Amidst all this happiness, there lurking beneath the bubbles of contentment, was an unspoken fear that something could crop up to destroy this powerful, yet fragile love, But if they could overcome it, their love would never fade. It would become a source of their joy for the rest of their lives.
Basking in the glow from yesterday's events, Jiro lazily declined to get out of bed. Hiroyuki let him be. In the kitchen, Hiroyuki cooked chawan mushi (Japanese savory steamed egg custard) for breakfast. It had been a while, since he put his culinary skills to use. Jiro ate in bed, only sitting up on the soft padded futon. Because he was worried, after breakfast, Hiroyuki forcefully checked Jiro's backside, amid cries of resistance. Jiro was embarrassed. It was one thing for Hiroyuki to look at it when they were making love, and quite another when they weren't engaged in the act.
When it was over, Jiro's eyes were red with angry blame. He felt violated at the same time he understood Hiroyuki did it for his own good. But he felt Hiroyuki should have respected his pleas to stop. It was Jiro's body after all.
"Sorry," Hiroyuki hugged his upset lover. "I was anxious. I wanted to make sure it wasn't bleeding."
After some time, and a large amount of coaxing, Jiro's heart softened and he couldn't bear to be angry any longer.
Jiro rubbed his face against Hiroyuki's chest and felt all was right again.
Chapter 55 – Risa (7)
Back at work, Jiro had fully recovered. He listened as Kobayashi told him about the goings on in the office. "The company is seeing an expansion," Kobayashi boasted, as though it was all due to his single-handed efforts.
While Jiro had started his shift, Hiroyuki encountered Risa on his way home. This time he hose to walk pass her, pretending she wasn't there.
"Is this how you treat all your former lovers?" Risa scathingly asked.
"No," Hiroyuki answered, "Only pests."
Risa scowled, before evening her face out in vengeful delight.
"I have something you might lie to see," she said.
An air of uncertainty hung above the two before Hiroyuki said, "Go ahead and show whatever photos and videos to my parents."
Hiroyuki had seen Risa the day he took Jiro to the love hotel.
He didn't care then and he didn't care now.
Risa's face fell, twisting into absolute hatred, anger, fear and relief. Yes, relief. She wasn't someone who normally blackmailed others. This means was only a last resort. She had agonized over this meeting and what she would say. She worried Hiroyuki would call the police. She worried she would be caught. She worried over a myriad of what-ifs, but luckily, none of it happened.
Then tears welled in her eyes. Two lines of slightly black mascara tainted flowing tears ran down her face.
"I'm sorry."
Hiroyuki looked her and for a moment he recognized the Risa he knew.
"It's not that I don't want to help. It's just I don't have that kind of influence on my father. You know he only cares about profits. Relationships, even kinship, has never mattered to him."
And because she was crying, the part of him, who liked her as a person, hugged Risa. Passersby watched the strange scene, trying hard not to stare. When she was done, releasing all her fears, all her unhappiness, and all her loss, she humbly requested Hiroyuki to a meal. She wished for them to end on a happy memory. Then he agreed to go out and have a late night meal with her for old time's sake.
When parting, Risa landed a kiss on Hiroyuki's cheek. She knew it would be the last time she'd purposefully seek him out. It was a pity they were two unsuitable people with differing opinions on life. Even if she could hang onto him for a while longer, their paths would eventually diverge. It was for the best to end it here and now.
Risa had to grow up. And she did. Eventually, her mother contacted her; and Risa left Japan to reunite with her mother. When her father came out of the embezzlement and fraud investigation, although he was cleared of wrongdoing, but his reputation had greatly suffered. He also left Japan and reunited with his family overseas.
Chapter 56 – A very Strange and Unexpected Surprise (1)
A few evenings later, as Jiro got off from his night shift, a torrential downpour appeared. He rubbed his bulging stomach. He had eaten too much. It was only a short distance from the company to the train station. Thus, Jiro didn't get too wet. He hoped the rain would lessen, if not stop completely, by the time he reached his final stop.
Jiro luckily caught the last subway train home, but the station was still a distance from home. Having descended the train, he shivered. His shoulders immediately soaked up the rain as he walked home. Jiro didn't have an umbrella or raincoat. He didn't think he would need one. Recently, it had been sunny.
Walking home in the heavy rain, Jiro immediately went to shower, but he felt somewhat sluggish. Maybe it was due to the cold or maybe he was simply tired. He crawled into bed.
In the middle of the night, Hiroyuki woke up to a clammy, sweaty burning hot Jiro. Was Jiro suffering from a nightmare?
"Jiro?"
Panic set in when no amount of rousing would get Jiro to open his eyes.
Turning on the light, Hiroyuki saw the pea-sized beads of sweat covering Jiro's face.
"Jiro."
A soft whimper emitted from Jiro's throat.
A moment later, the sound of heavy footsteps rushing down the stairs echoed loudly throughout the apartment complex.
At the hospital, an elderly doctor came to Jiro's bedside. The doctor took out his stethoscope and listened to the stomach rumblings. He pressed his hand against a few places on Jiro's abdomen.
"Is it appendicitis?" Hiroyuki's voice exuded concern and fear.
""Young man," the elderly doctor chided, "It's just a stomachache. Why are you so distressed?"
Then the doctor went over to a locked cabinet and retrieved a bottle of pills.
"After taking these digestion aids, he'll be fine."
Jiro's face turned a shade redder. He shouldn't have overeaten the food Mr. Kobayashi brought to work. But he couldn't take all the blame. The cold rain also has to take a part of the blame. If he hadn't been cold, he would have digested the food well.
Hiroyuki thanked the doctor and then he took a pill out and fed it to Jiro.
"I'm sorry for causing this big commotion," Jiro sincerely said. Besides apologizing, he really didn't know what else he could do.
Hiroyuki suddenly hugged him. The unexpected hug left Jiro stiff for a moment. But then he responded, tightly squeezing Hiroyuki back.
In that moment, a moment where words were unneeded, the two could tell that they were with the person who loved them most. No one in this world would care more for them.
The short nightmare ended.
Jiro was better now.
Yet, Hiroyuki didn't know what was going on inside him. These days, he just wasn't himself.
Ono, who had been through many short term relationships, considered himself to be a relationship expert. Seeing, the trying-to-hide-my-distress look on Hiroyuki's face. Ono was a bit reluctant to interfere and give advice.
Hiroyuki mindlessly ate his lunch, oblivious to Ono's incessant chatter. At what point did he need Jiro more than oxygen? And someday if Jiro grew up and no longer liked him, then what would he do? Feelings like the seasons can change. Not to mention there were the unexpected, illnesses, careless drivers and armed street bandits.
Hiroyuki's face turned worse.
Chapter 57 – A very Strange and Unexpected Surprise (2)
Hiroyuki asked Ono, "What do you think is the best thing a man can do in a relationship?"
"It's not about doing things differently. It's about doing whatever works. Every relationship is different and requires different strategies to resolve problems. The right thing to do is what works for you."
Despite being a master at failing in all his relationship, Ono's advice made a lot of sense.
Hiroyuki mused over the wise counsel Ono offered him. Life happened too abruptly for him to know what he should do. Initially, he never thought he would fall in love with Jiro. But now, he felt that he would do whatever within his power to protect him.
"You're right," Hiroyuki said. "I'm going to go home to face my father."
"Tsk, tsk," Ono teased. "For love, he's willing to do anything. Sir Knight, are you ready to battle the dragon to save your damsel in distress?"
Shoving Ono lightly, Hiroyuki said, "Stop it."
Ono prudently locked his lips. He knew he had settled upon Hiroyuki's bottom line. Hiroyuki's anger subsided. He knew that although he rarely lost his temper, but when he did, it was out of control, like flames in a dry forest.
The scare from Jiro's illness was still there. Hiroyuki realized that what if someday something bad should happen to Jiro? Wouldn't he need to prepare for the future? He needed money to pay for huge hospital fees. Although Japan had "free" healthcare, but it was better to pay at private hospitals, where the doctors were more highly experienced.
Hiroyuki felt it was time to go home and speak with his father. The outcome of the discussion may be in Hiroyuki's favor or it may not. Regardless, it was time he stopped running away. He had to face it someday, why not now? The only impossible battle is the one you have never fought.
In the morning, Hiroyuki saw Jiro tucked inside his arms. And the philosophical him, began to examine the meaning of happiness. Because right now, in this exact moment, although he could not describe it with words, this was happiness. Happiness isn't bought. It isn't cheaply manufactured. Happiness is found in the heart and happiness, true happiness can be shared.
He lightly touched Jiro's face, planted to a careful kiss and whispered, "I love you."
Then he got up and readied himself for work.
Although their loves were a bit out of sync, due to Jiro's night job, but it would pass. In a couple of years, Jiro would be promoted to the day shift and they would both look back at this time as a minor obstacle in their life together.
At work, Hiroyuki received a strange text from his lover.
Jiro: I have a surprise for us at home.
Hiroyuki saw the text message and wondered what the surprise could be.
On his way home, Hiroyuki wondered if the surprise was a good surprise or one he wouldn't like.
Upon entering the apartment, he saw the surprise.
kotatsu are relatively expensive. They serve as a dining table, a heater, and a study table. It would do Jiro some good to have the kotatsu, especially in the winter months.
"Where did you get this?" Hiroyuki asked.
"Mr. Kobayashi moved out from his home. He moved in with his son. I went there to help him move and when he found out he couldn't take this with him, he gave it to me."
Seeing Jiro's excited face, Hiroyuki didn't voice his objections.
However, he ruminated over this piece of furniture. He didn't want to live in a rental unit all his life, and at some point they would buy their own place. At that time, they'd have to move all their furnishings into the new place. Hiroyuki had been very particular with his purchases, with the thought in mind that he wouldn't have to move too many things when he did move. By relenting, Hiroyuki subconsciously had begun to see Jiro as a family member and no longer a guest. Somehow, his mind he accepted sharing his control over their domicile with Jiro.
Although the kotatsu was used, it looked near new. It functioned properly and even had a timer, so they could hat it set prior to going to bed. With the kotatsu, the original dining table was pushed against the windowed wall. From now on, if they were to sleep, they'd have to sleep beneath the kotatsu, or stand it on its side and tuck it into the dining table to make adequate sleeping space.
Forget it. He'll just let Jiro keep this piece of furniture. When they moved, if they couldn't afford a big enough apartment, then they'll just decide if they want to keep the dining set or the kotatsu.
In the night, they both slept beneath the kotatsu. For now, it was late spring, thus the weather wasn't too warm. When summer comes, the temperature will grow. At that point in time, they won't be able to sleep beneath the kotatsu.
Chapter 58 – A very Strange and Unexpected Surprise (3)
He could no longer go back to his old life. Because he was no longer the old him.
Hiroyuki hesitated many times, playing out how he would discuss the matter with his estranged father.
He had made up his mind to cleanly break off any ties with his family. Because he had known from the start that Jiro would never survive in his family. Hiroyuki's family has always been impossible to get along with. Brothers fighting each other for the position of family head. And the family head who always has to guard himself against others, even his own children.
This kind of family has always been dysfunctional. That's why Hiroyuki has never wanted to be a part of it. Especially after his brother's death.
His heart pounded as he stood at the front door to his parents' home. This was his childhood home, where he had both happy and painful memories.
When the maid opened the door, she happily ushered Hiroyuki into the house.
In the study, Hiroyuki's father had been waiting for his son. He had been waiting all this time for his son to return home.
"Are you ready to return now?" Hiroyuki's father asked him.
"No," Hiroyuki said. "I came here to break off ties with you and your family."
"You want to break off ties with your family? You ingrate!"
Hearing his father's arrogant and self-righteous words, Hiroyuki's blood boiled. Then a flood of emotions took over Hiroyuki and he lost control.
"Where were you when my brother needed you? Where were you when he failed? Where were you when he hung himself? If it wasn't how unapproachable you were, my brother wouldn't have resorted to killing himself."
The honest, vicious words Hiroyuki never thought he could utter aloud in their lifetime, came unstopping out into the open, where it stung both the speaker and the listener. The tense air turned rancid with unbearable recollections of shame, guilt and regret.
"Why are you bringing him up? He was weak. He only has himself to blame. Your brother's death was a shameful travesty that reflects badly on all of us."
"Even now, you don't see what a monster you are."
Hiroyuki glared at his dad with hate and anger. The pain in his heart burned away.
"I don't need another worthless son," his father replied.
"Perfect! Then, we both agree."
As Hiroyuki walked out, his father shouted behind him, "He only stays beside you because you provide a roof over his head. When the day comes when he doesn't need you any longer, he'll throw you away.
Hiroyuki was struck by his father's words. Did Jiro love him because of the material comfort he provided?
It was late when Hiroyuki returned from his parents' house. He thought Jiro would definitely be asleep. Unexpectedly, his lover stayed up waiting nervously for his return. Jiro hastily stood up and pasted his face into Hiroyuki's.
"Is everything alright?" Jiro's voice mumbled.
Although he had many things he wanted to inform the other person, but in the end, he felt it was better to wait until the following day to explain what he had done.
Deflecting Jiro's question, Hiroyuki leaned in to kiss his lover. The guilt nagging him from his confrontation with his father melted away.
Upon waking the following morning, Jiro rubbed the sandy grit from his eyes. Then he patiently waited for Hiroyuki to tell him about yesterday's events.
In retrospect, he words that needed to be said had been said.
Hiroyuki was extremely decisive when he opted to split from his family. He didn't spare a single thought of regret.
Chapter 59 – A New Family Register
In Japan, there is a thing called a family register. Families must register their family and all their relations. It is a way to track people and where people belong.
When someone breaks off from their family, they either join a new family register, like in the case of marriage, or they are creating their own family.
Hiroyuki took Jiro with him. Jiro was puzzled as Hiroyuki wouldn't tell him where they were going.
In front of the family registry office, Hiroyuki asked Jiro, "Jiro do you want to form a family with me?"
Jiro looked at Hiroyuki, his heart swelling with love.
"I do."
All the doubts Hiroyuki felt from his father's last words, evaporated.
Due to the way things were, Hiroyuki had to "adopt" Jiro as his younger brother. However, they would need Hiroyuki's mother to help verify the relationship.
Hiroyuki's mother received his phone call. When he understood the urgent matter, she agreed to help her son.
At the family registry office, Jiro nervously waited to meet Hiroyuki's mother. Hiroyuki held Jiro's hand, boosting Jiro's confidence.
Then, when Jiro saw the woman's face, he said, "We. . . haven't we met before?"
Hiroyuki's mother smiled and said, "You have a good memory."
After they finished the paperwork and received their family registry card, Hiroyuki's mother invited the two "sons" to a celebratory dinner.
At dinner, Hiroyuki's mother waited until they were almost done eating when she finally said, "I'm going to divorce your family."
Hiroyuki reached a hand across the table to hold onto his mother's hand.
"I should have done this a long time ago. I'm glad I was able to do this before I die. At least, I won't have any regrets now."
"Mom," Hiroyuki said, "If you want, you can come and live with us."
"No," his mother said, "I thank you for thinking of me, but I want to travel for a while. I want to find find myself again. These couple of decades, I've lost the will to live happily. I'd like to rediscover the beauty and of this world."
"If you ever need us, we'll always be here for you."
Hiroyuki's mom smiled through her tears. "I know," she answered him. "I have a new family now. And that's the start of my new life."
"It's a new life for all of us," Hiroyuki answered.
"Yes," Jiro agreed.
Then all three of them smiled, looking forward to the future.
Chapter 60 – A Family
It's not like their relationship was perfect. How could it be? When they themselves were imperfect. Yet, that's the beauty of relationships. Taking two imperfect people and throwing them into an imperfect relationship to form a love connection And no matter how imperfect everything else was, but their love was pure and perfect. Love knows perfection.
There will always be problems cropping up between two people, as they live together, bringing out each other's needs and wants, begging for reconciliations amid a forgiving compromise of give and take. But if love is there to guide them, then they will make it until the very end.
The two of them grew, excelled in their profession. They both found something to do that fulfilled them. It was more than they could ask for. In the end, they moved out of their small apartment and into a two bedroom apartment.
Jiro and Hiroyuki had their own room, while Hiroyuki's mother occupied the other room. They lived like this until she passed on from old age. Although they felt sad, they knew that it was a natural part of life, one no mortal could escape. Luckily, their mother did not suffer and towards the end of her life, she was happy to have found a second family. Her life felt complete.
As for Hiroyuki's father, he died an old man, with no relations beside him. The money he saved disappeared into the hands of distant relatives.
Even if Japan doesn't recognize their love and marriage, as long a they know their love, no one else can come in between them. That's what he felt when he looked into Jiro's eyes.
And at the very end of their live, Hiroyuki went first and six months later, Jiro quietly followed. Their ashes were interred together and Ono's child made sure they occupied a scenic spot, up on a hillside, where the sun always shone upon them, unimpeded.