PART ONE.
~
Haruki stirred in his sleep, grumbling unintelligible words as he gradually emerged from slumber. He propped himself up on one elbow, rubbing his eyes and letting out a loud yawn as his vision cleared. In a haze, he surveyed his unfamiliar surroundings.
Oh, right... The room's unfamiliar design jogged his memory, reminding him of where he was.
"I wonder if he's awake yet," Haruki mused, yawning once more as he climbed out of bed and headed towards the room's exit. He doubted a certain someone even knew he was there—
Little did he expect to be greeted by a dozing figure, huddled in a crouched position, the moment he stepped out the door. Startled, Haru jumped back, letting out a shriek.
"AHHH!"
The crouched figure jerked awake, startled by the sudden noise, and looked up dazedly at the guest who had emerged from the room he had been 'guarding'.
For a long moment, the two boys locked eyes—Haru, with his dark hair standing frozen in fear, and Ginger, sitting with his knees drawn up, supporting his head.
"What the... why are you sitting there?" Haruki finally grumbled.
**
"I understand now, so you had trouble sleeping," Haruki nodded in comprehension as Kentaro explained his reasons for camping outside the bedroom door. The two of them had settled in the kitchen, with Haruki preparing simple bowls of warm cereal for both of them.
It was only eight in the morning, so there was no rush to prepare a full meal just yet. They were both still shaking off the exhaustion that lingered after waking up.
"You could have joined me instead of perching by the door on the cold floor," Haruki remarked as he placed a bowl in front of Ken, along with a spoon. So he was already awake when I arrived; Haru thought.
Kentaro kept his gaze fixed on the contents of his bowl as he replied with a hint of vulnerability, "I was afraid you would chase me away."
"I wouldn't have," Haruki reassured him, helping himself to his own food. "Maybe a little surprised, but I certainly wouldn't have chased you out."
"Don't you think it's childish?"
Speaking with his mouth full, Haruki disagreed, "There's nothing wrong with wanting company when you sleep, especially for people who have trouble sleeping alone."
Kentaro nodded slightly and picked up his spoon to eat. Yet, his eyes kept stealing glances at the person seated across from him, as if he feared they might suddenly vanish.
"What's up?" Haruki noticed and couldn't help but examine himself. "Do I have something on me?"
"Aren't you going to school today?"
Haruki hummed in affirmation. "Nah."
"Why not?"
"Because your 'Auntie' told me not to," Haru's lips curled into a smile. "She said I had to take good care of her 'Ken-chan'."
Kentaro's expression grew complicated. "You told your parents about what happened?"
"Yeah, I filled them in," Haruki replied. Then, a sudden realization struck him, causing him to pause mid-bite and break into a cold sweat.
It hadn't been his place to reveal what the other probably wanted to keep secret!
Giving himself a few light slaps, Haruki avoided Ginger's gaze. "My. Big. Mouth."
"It's fine," Kentaro assured him.
Haruki didn't entirely trust his words. "Are you sure?"
Ginger nodded. "If you thought it was okay, then I think so too."
But Haruki felt a pang of guilt at Ken's response.
Yesterday had been a mess. Ginger probably felt compelled to share what he didn't want others to know, Haruki assumed.
Clearing his throat, Haruki began, "Um, about what I said yesterday... It's fine if you don't want to tell me anything about your past or background. I won't pry."
Kentaro's hand paused midway, and his eyes didn't meet Haruki's gaze. He muttered quietly, "But I want to."
Haruki pursed his lips, contemplating in silence. Then he added, "Like I said, you shouldn't feel obligated to do so."
Setting down his spoon, Kentaro finally looked up at him. "I'm not."
"Oh," Haru didn't know what else to say. "...okay."
Stirring his cereal absentmindedly, Kentaro abruptly asked him "Have you heard of Interactive Entertainment Ltd? They're this game design company."
Haruki paused, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. "Yeah, I think so. They've released some crazy popular 3D games before. My parents even mentioned something about a collaboration request from one of their branches a few months back."
"Do you know where their main headquarters are located?" Kentaro's stirring slowed to a halt.
Haruki, oblivious to the abrupt shift in atmosphere, continued munching on his cereal. "Somewhere in Hokkaido, I think? Asahikawa, maybe?"
"Mhm," Kentaro confirmed, his gaze fixed on Haruki. "And do you know the Chairman?"
Haruki furrowed his brow, searching his memory. "I can't recall his name, but I think it's Harada. The family name, I mean."
"Satoshi Harada," Kentaro affirmed quietly.
"You've sure done your homework," the other was a little impressed. "But why are we suddenly discussing him and games?"
"He's my dad."
Haruki's jaw halted mid-chew, his gaze fixated on Kentaro in a daze. Gradually, the only sound that escaped his lips was a perplexed, "... Huh?"
Kentaro averted his eyes, unable to meet Haru's intense gaze, as he revealed, "Satoshi Harada... he's my biological father."
With an echoing 'PLOP', Haruki's spoon slipped from his hand, splashing into the bowl.
Wait, hold on. GINGER WAS WHOSE SON???
"Hey, hey, you're kidding, right?" Haruki sprang up from his seat, eyes wide with disbelief. "Don't joke like this, bro!"
But the seriousness etched on Kentaro's face quelled Haruki's doubts. His trembling grip on the utensil betrayed Ginger's sincerity.
Still, Haruki struggled to process the revelation. He spoke, his voice now tinged with a hint of calmness. "You're really Chairman Harada's son?"
"Yeah," Kentaro admitted, his gaze avoiding Haruki's.
A wide smile spread across Haruki's face. "Dude, that's incredible!"
"It's not," Kentaro interjected, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.
Caught off guard by the sudden change in tone, Haruki's jaw dropped. He couldn't fathom why anyone would despise being connected to such a prestigious figure. "What? Why?"
Kentaro glanced at him briefly before turning away, his voice stiff. "Because he's cruel."
Haruki was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.
"It's not just him; I hate the entire Harada family," Kentaro continued, his tone laced with bitterness. "They're all despicable. The smiles they put on display are nothing but masks."
Finding his friend's sentiments extreme, Haruki pressed for more information. "But... what did they do to you? I know Chairman Harada has an heir, and if that's you, then—"
Kentaro shook his head, finally meeting Haruki's gaze with a bitter smile. "I'm not. How could I possibly be the heir? I'm just an illegitimate brat."
Haruki's gaze dropped, disbelief washing over him. "That can't be..."
"I'm not trying to deceive you," Kentaro said earnestly. "But even if you don't believe me..."
"I DO!" Haruki's assertive declaration startled Kentaro. Clearing his throat, he repeated in a softer tone, "I believe you, Ginger."
Kentaro's expression softened, but a trace of uncertainty lingered in his eyes.
"I think I can guess why you despise them," Haruki remarked, settling back into his seat. "You were... ostracized, weren't you?"
He had hit the nail on the head. Even Kentaro couldn't help but stammer, "H-How did you...?"
"I wasn't entirely sure at first, but then I remembered this movie I watched ages ago. The main character was also illegitimate, and his family wanted to kick him out. It became pretty obvious to me..." Haruki started rambling until he noticed Kentaro's guarded expression, which instantly brought him back to reality. "Cough~ I'm kidding, that was a terrible joke. Your life isn't a movie. Honestly, I made a rough judgment based on your cold and distant attitude, and how painstackingly difficult it was to get close to you. You know, the kind of vibes someone gives off when they're used to being alone."
Ginger remained silent for a long time, torn by the harsh description Haruki had given. He even thought it would have been better if Haru had stuck to the movie analogy.
"What's wrong?" Haruki seemed oblivious to the emotional blow he had just delivered.
"I know you mean well, but your words are too blunt."
"Ah..." Only then did Haru realize it too, feeling ashamed. "I'm so sorry, dude."
"It's fine." Ken told him. It wasn't like the guy had lied.
Seeing that Kentaro wasn't truly angry, Haruki let out a sigh of relief.
So, that's how it is. No wonder.
~~~
PART TWO.
~
"I'm sorry. You must have been through a lot."
Hearing those words, Kentaro despondently asked, "Doesn't it bother you? I've been lying to you all this time."
"Given your circumstances, it's understandable. Haven't we already been through this?" Haruki sighed. "Why would I still be mad? You're even willing to share this much with me, which is already a huge step in the right direction. I couldn't be happier."
"But I... my family..." Kentaro couldn't find the right words to express himself. He had been certain that once Haruki learned about his background, he would sever their ties and want nothing to do with him to avoid future problems.
That had been the true reason Kentaro had never wanted to bring up the subject before. He didn't want Haruki to leave him.
"So, you're a Harada member. Big deal," Haru pretended to stroke an imaginary white beard of wisdom. "I always suspected you were a rich kid, but wow. I also didn't know Mr. Harada was dead."
Kentaro looked away in shame. "He's not. I lied about not having a father."
"Oh."
"I didn't mean to. That's just the story I have to use with my identity as Kentaro Nomura," the younger boy confessed.
"Identity," Haruki was taken aback. "I understand that Nomura isn't your real last name, but does that mean 'Kentaro' isn't your real name either?"
"No, they're both real," Ginger clarified. "Nomura is just my mother's maiden name."
Haruki seemed to grasp the situation. "So, your old man is the one who brought you here?"
"I brought myself here."
Facepalming, Haru couldn't hide his disbelief. "Kid, you ran away from home?"
"I did not!" Kentaro quickly denied. "Just listen to what I have to say first."
And with that, he began unraveling his entire backstory.
As it turned out, Ginger's mother had been one of the maids in the Harada household. The Chairman of Interactive Entertainment Ltd had noticed the hardworking, beautiful woman among the staff, particularly drawn to her striking ginger hair that made her stand out even more. Under the influence of alcohol, Satoshi Harada had 'forced' her into bed, only to deny the entire incident when he sobered up the next morning.
A few months later, when it was proven that the child truly belonged to him, and after confirming the child's gender, Satoshi had agreed to take responsibility for both the woman and the child.
When Satoshi's legal wife and the Harada elders learned about his decision, they were outraged and vehemently opposed it. But Satoshi remained firm, stating that since the maid had given him another heir, she could stay at their estate, although her existence would be concealed from the public.
"And that's how everything ended up being kept under wraps," Kentaro concluded.
"Another heir?" Haruki raised an eyebrow, his surprise evident. "He already had a son before you?" Truth be told, he hadn't expected the Harada heir to be even older than himself.
Ginger nodded, a wistful smile gracing his lips. "My half-brother. He's three years older than me, and there's a younger sister who a year younger than me."
So since he's illegitimate, he's treated as an outcast. Typical; Haruki mused, finally connecting the dots.
Ginger's existence remained a secret, carefully concealed from the public eye. Given the Haradas' illustrious reputation, any mention of Ken's presence would undoubtedly send shockwaves through social media.
But how did he end up here? Haruki wondered, perplexed. He'd assumed Kentaro would at least be in Asahikawa.
Almost as if he could read Haru's thoughts, Kentaro clarified, a tinge of bitterness coloring his voice. "My grandparents don't like me."
I knew it had something to do with old people! Haruki resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"The truth is, they consider me a stain on their pristine reputation. They've constantly reminded me that I was never meant to exist, a curse that won't go away," Ken's smile held a hint of self-scorn. "I've known from a young age that I was unwanted. My mother, along with a few others who attended her, are the only ones who truly care."
Haruki swallowed, cautiously broaching a delicate subject. "And your mother... is she...?" His voice trailed off, hesitant about treading on fragile ground.
"She's the main reason I return," Ken explained, and a flicker of relief crossed Haruki's features.
Thank goodness she was alive, Haruki exhaled inwardly. It would have been truly horrible if she were gone or if she also disdained her son.
"But I can't shake the feeling that one day, when I go back, she'll be gone."
Haruki: "...." Are my thoughts so dangerous?
However, Kentaro continued, elaborating on the meaning behind his words. As expected, his mother had been diagnosed with an illness shortly after his birth.
"Why don't they seek professional medical help for her? Why confine her if it doesn't help her recovery?" Haruki's frustration simmered beneath the surface.
"The few times I get to see her, she always smiles and assures me she's getting better," Ken's fists tightened slightly as he struggled to maintain composure. "If she says so, I believe it. She'll be fine, even if those people won't let her outside those walls."
Haruki felt an urge to curse: Those bastards!
"I learnt from her that I was sick too when I was born. Even the family doctor believed I wouldn't survive past three," Ken chuckled awkwardly. "But, in the end, I guess I was just too stubborn to... you know."
Haruki found it a little hard to believe.
This bundle of boundless energy, effortlessly scaling trees, enduring beatings as if they were second nature, and saying absurd phrases like "hey, I'm used to the pain," was born sickly? Ken was probably healthier than Haruki himself at the moment!
Shaking his head to dispel those wild thoughts, Haruki decided not to dwell on the matter further. Delving deeper would only weigh down Ken's spirits, so he redirected the conversation.
"What led you to start living here on your own?"
Ken pondered for a moment before responding, his expression thoughtful. "Mr. Harada sent me away."
"Mr. Harada senior? Your grandfather?" Haru inquired.
"No, my father. He believed sending me out to the world would be good for me," Ginger mused, placing a hand beneath his chin. "He also said something about how receiving a top-notch education would make me achieve greatness or whatever nonsense along those lines. That's why I couldn't be homeschooled anymore."
So, he really was homeschooled until junior high; Haru acknowledged inwardly, ashamed of doubting Ken's words before. Instead, he asked another question, curiosity piqued. "Were his intentions genuine? To help you achieve great things?"
"Who knows?" Kentaro scoffed, a wry grin tugging at his lips. "Wouldn't be surprised if he just wanted to get rid of me."
"But wait, didn't you say that you came here on your own? What's with this 'sent away' business, then?" Haruki's brow furrowed, a look of confusion washing over his face.
"It's true that my father initially sent me away, but the decision to move to this town was mine," Ginger explained. "Originally, I was supposed to live in Tokyo. But I didn't want the big city, so my mother helped me find another place – a smaller town, somewhere near Tokyo. Somewhere Mr. Harada wouldn't suspect. If he knew, he'd keep a constant eye on me, and I couldn't have that."
In other words, while Mr. Harada may have initiated Kentaro's departure, the choice to settle in Chiba Prefecture was entirely his, unbeknownst to his father.
"But when he paid for the house and tuition, didn't he notice the change in location?" Haruki's skepticism lingered.
"The house in Tokyo was purchased under the Harada name, but the one here was acquired without their money," Kentaro scratched his head, searching for the right words. "I had to do a ton of things to pull off the deception, so it's a bit complicated to explain. As for the tuition, Mr. Harada probably still thinks I have private tutors for now."
"Why private tutors?" Haru inquired, his curiosity piqued.
Kentaro seemed to strain his brain in an attempt to unravel the intricate web of his plan. "It's also part of the deception. I received a lot of external help, since I couldn't figure out the part about school on my own. He can't know I'm attending Ichihara Middle, so it's better if he believes professionals are tutoring me instead."
Damn! This kid is already scheming and making huge decisions, while I can barely navigate my way through this stupid town! What's his life like?
Kentaro continued, his voice tinged with determination, "I really don't want to be tied to that family forever. But since I'm still young, I have to play nice and follow their instructions, since I'm dependent on what they provide. I have no other choice."
"I see," Haruki nodded in understanding before a sudden realization struck him.
Wait a minute, I suddenly feel very misplaced in this story. How did my ordinary self become the closest companion of this rich kid?
Yet, it wasn't regret that coursed through him. It was an inexplicable sense of exhilaration. Life had presented him with a challenge, and he was eager to confront it head-on.
Satoshi Harada hadn't cast Kentaro aside without reason, Haruki was certain. Now that his secret heir was out there befriending commoners, how would Satoshi react, ensconced in his lofty status and privilege?
Would he resort to movie-like threats, warning Haruki to stay away?
Or, maybe, attempt to bribe him with money?
"How exciting," Haruki mumbled to himself, a peculiar grin spreading across his face. Fortunately, Ginger seemed oblivious to her friend's dubious behavior.
"When I'm older and can make my own choices, the first thing I'll do is rescue my mother from that place. I'll take care of her, so she won't have to suffer another second there," Kentaro declared, his resolve shining through. It was evident that he had contemplated this for a long time – a means to sever all ties with the Harada family.
Feeling quite pleased with those words, Haruki. "And I'll be there, cheering you on from the sidelines. I'll even lend a hand if you need it."
Kentaro stared at him for a moment before posing a question, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "You'll really be there?"
With a snort, Haru raised an eyebrow. "You doubt me? I did say we'd be friends for a long time, didn't I? I wasn't joking."
They'd still be together even then.
Kentaro couldn't help but be moved by those words, a smile spreading across his face. "Right."
~~~~~~