"One more, guys! Everyone look at the camera."
Hinako Shimoda, Takumi's spirited mother, brandished her sleek black camera, her voice carrying a mix of determination and exasperation. She orchestrated the quartet of reluctant teenagers, urging them to gather close and proudly showcase their hard-earned graduation certificates. It was the fiftieth shot already, and unless someone intervened, it seemed she would never release them from her photographic grip.
Not to be outdone, Maki Fukuda chimed in, her cellphone held aloft as she snapped away, contributing to the chaotic frenzy. The once orderly scene devolved into a whirlwind of confusion as the youngsters lost their bearings, unsure of which direction to face.
On the sidelines, Tadashi Matsui's grandparents stood helpless, having already captured countless images of their beloved grandchild and his friends. Akashi Fukuda and Masahiro Shimoda, fathers of the graduates, discreetly masked their dismay, attempting to ignore the burning glares emanating from their children.
Finally, to everyone's immense relief, the two women relented, concluding the impromptu photo session after just a handful more shots. At last, the four teenagers could draw a breath of liberation.
"Hey, I've got an idea!" Hinako exclaimed, her fingers snapping together as if struck by brilliance. "Since everyone is free for the first time ever, why don't we all go out for lunch together?"
The adults saw no issue with the suggestion, and the graduates might have embraced the idea if they hadn't already made plans of their own.
"Mom, remember our discussion," Takumi reminded his mother, pulling her to the side, only to receive a not-so-gentle tap on the head in response.
"Oh, hush. It's just one meal. You can join your other friends afterward," she scolded before returning her attention to the rest of the group. "I'm open to restaurant suggestions..."
And so, the grown-ups engaged in a lively discussion about their next dining destination while their sulking offspring begrudgingly trailed behind.
"We'll meet up with the others there. I'll let them know we'll be a little late," Haruki dutifully sent a message in their grade group chat, acknowledging the delay.
"Why not include all of us in that text?" Kentaro, who had been surreptitiously observing, suggested.
Haruki turned to him, offered a smile, and callously pressed 'send' without amending the message. "I believe everyone here has a cellphone."
"You're being petty. It doesn't make sense for all of us to send messages when we're going to the same place as a group."
And just like that, the bickering commenced. Takumi joined the fray after discovering the cause of the commotion. Tadashi, opting for a quieter approach, watched from the sidelines, unwilling to be drawn into their nonsensical spat.
Meanwhile, at the forefront of the group, the older ladies engaged in a heated debate over the ideal restaurant choice. The five-minute journey to their respective cars suddenly felt like a very long one for Akashi Fukuda, who walked in the middle, flanked by the gentlemen.
"I don't recall seeing the parents of the red-haired lad today," Hideo Matsui, Tadashi's grandfather, remarked from beside him.
"They're... quite busy," Akashi awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck. "And they live out of town."
Masahiro chimed in from the other side. "They couldn't even make it to such an important event? I can only imagine how the poor boy must feel."
"Yeah, well, that's just the way it is," Akashi forced a stiff smile. He dared not glance back at the red-haired boy, weighed down by the guilt that lingered from Haruki's poignant words on the night of their argument.
***
After indulging in a satisfying meal, the four teenagers broke free from their parents' grasp and darted straight toward the gathering of their classmates.
The entire grade had orchestrated a rendezvous to commemorate their graduation, relishing in the rare liberty granted by their guardians to stay out late, with the caveat of maintaining a mischief-free evening.
Alcohol remained forbidden territory for these fifteen and sixteen-year-olds, and honestly, most of them didn't care for it. Their sole yearning was to revel in their youthful innocence before society cast upon them the weighty mantle of adulthood, laden with burdensome expectations and the dreaded specter of "responsibility."
Exploring every exhilarating nook and cranny they could conceive, their excitement slowly ebbed away as fatigue claimed those who had their fill of fun. As the day waned, only a remnant of the original throng remained, a sizeable group nonetheless. They had secured the largest karaoke establishment available, a sanctuary where they could unwind and draw the curtains on their eventful day.
By the time they concluded, no doubt each and every one of them would be exhausted.
"So, Nomura, which high school will you be attending?" inquired a sudden voice, jolting Kentaro from his rhythmic tambourine play, while his friends made a spectacle of themselves on the stage. Even Tadashi Matsui had taken the spotlight, belting out a tune...
Offering a knowing smile, Kentaro replied to the two girls who had approached him, "It's a secret."
Having spent the entire day in each other's company, the girls had grown bold due to Ginger's friendless and refused to retreat despite his evasive response.
"Knowing him, it's probably the same school as Fukuda's," one of the girls playfully taunted. "Find out where one is going, and you'll automatically know where the other is headed as well."
Caught in their playful banter, Kentaro chuckled, "So I've been caught."
"You two are like an inseparable duo," chimed in the second girl. "There's no force on this earth that could separate you."
"At this point, I wouldn't be surprised if you were actually together," her friend spoke.
"Haha, right? You guys must really like each other..."
Kentaro paid little heed to the strange turn the conversation had taken, yet one thing remained clear: "Yes, I do like Haru."
Hearing those words, the two girls stared wide-eyed at him, their astonishment lingering before they erupted into squeals of delight. Fortunately, their commotion blended seamlessly into the already boisterous room, sparing them from undue attention.
Just then, Haruki's impromptu concert with Takumi and Tadashi reached its conclusion, yielding the stage to another group, plunging the room back into chaos.
Spotting the return of Kentaro's entourage, the girls hastily retreated, giggling animatedly. The pressure of mingling with four of the most handsome boys in their grade proved too overwhelming, even though graduation had already come and gone!
"That was weird," Haruki remarked, his voice filled with a mix of confusion and intrigue, the moment he settled down beside Ken and accepted the proffered bottle of water. He couldn't help but notice the hasty departure of those girls earlier, prompting him to inquire, "What was all that about?"
"They were asking about which school we'd be attending," Ken explained casually, his eyes meeting Haruki's in a moment of shared understanding.
Haru nodded, comprehending the situation.
"Then the conversation diverted to whether I liked you or not," Ginger revealed with a mischievous grin, his words laced with honesty. "Naturally, I made it clear that I do."
To Haruki's surprise, the one who reacted wasn't himself but Takumi, seated nearby. With an air of disdain, Takumi grumbled, "Excuse us, but must you blatantly shower us innocent bystanders with your everlasting love?"
Caught off guard, Haruki almost choked on his water, his eyes widening.
"It's alright," Matsui interjected, benevolently patting Takumi's shoulder in a gesture of comfort. "I'm certain that somewhere out there is someone capable of loving you just as much."
"Why are you like this, Tadashi?" Takumi complained, feeling unjustly targeted.
Haruki's gaze shifted from the already bickering pair to Ginger, whose eyes met his with a smile. Perhaps it was just him, but within those eyes, Haru sensed a profound meaning that caused his heart to skip a beat, a secret language shared between them.
Yet, before he could delve deeper into the emotions stirring within him, Ken had already focused his attention on the singers up front, shaking his little tambourine.
...
As the night wore on, the remaining group of graduates spent only a brief time at the karaoke. When the clock struck eight, farewells were exchanged, marking the end of an era for those who knew they would be parting ways and never seeing each other again. Emotions ran high, creating a heavy atmosphere for those who'd be leaving town, while the locals carried on with their lives, nonchalant and unaffected. Some even made plans for future hangouts, oblivious to the impending separation.
Haruki and his tight-knit group of four walked together, their steps guiding them in the same direction, until they reached their usual intersection where they would part ways. Soon, it was only Haruki and Kentaro left, heading toward the familiar neighborhood they both called home.
"You didn't mention that you were leaving," Haru suddenly brought up, referring to Matsui and Shimoda.
Ginger let the cool evening breeze caress his face, his hands buried deep in his pockets. "I'm trying to avoid the whole sentimental goodbye scenes. Wouldn't want to make a fool of myself, bawling like it's the end of the world."
"Is that why you didn't mention it to my parents either?" Haru's gaze remained fixed ahead.
"Mm-hm," Ken responded with a faint apologetic smile. "I hope you're not upset about that."
Haruki simply shook his head, understanding Ken's perspective. "I guess I can see where you're coming from, so it's fine."
A sense of relief washed over Kentaro upon hearing Haru's understanding.
"What time are you leaving tomorrow?"
"Eight in the morning. Or at least, that's when I'll be picked up," Ginger replied, a hint of bitterness creeping into his tone.
"He's not taking any chances, huh?" Haruki muttered sardonically.
Ken chuckled lightly, acknowledging the truth. "Seems that way."
The two continued walking in silence, their minds consumed by thoughts of the impending separation that loomed over them.
"Hey," Haruki broke the silence, his voice carrying a touch of vulnerability. "Want to race when we get home?"
Ginger noticed the earnestness in Haru's eyes and couldn't help but chuckle with a light-hearted tone. "Sure."
**
Biting back a yawn, Kentaro glanced at his cellphone, his eyes widening in disbelief as he realized the lateness of the hour—or rather, the earliness of the morning. It was nearly three o'clock, a time when most of the world was lost in slumber.
The night had been a whirlwind of endless games, draining both him and Haruki of their energy. If they were at the Fukuda household, they would have faced the wrath of Maki's strict rules for being awake at such an ungodly hour.
"Haru," Kentaro nudged his drowsy companion. "It's late. We should call it a night."
"Just one more..." Haru mumbled, his tired eyes squinting at the imposing screen before them. "One more game, yeah?"
Kentaro chuckled softly, amused by Haruki's persistence. He knew all too well that his friend could barely keep his eyes open. Nevertheless, he indulged the guy's request, selecting another round. But as the battle commenced, Haruki's avatar remained motionless.
It seemed sleep had finally claimed Haruki, and in the most uncomfortable position at that. Kentaro wondered how his joints weren't stiff from sitting on the hard carpet for so long, or how he could find solace leaning against the unforgiving base of a couch.
How could he sleep so peacefully in such discomfort?
"Hey," Kentaro gently shook his slumbering friend's shoulder. "We really need some sleep now."
"Hm... right," Haruki rubbed his eyes and leaned his head back, emitting a weary sigh. "Well, this sucks. I was hoping the night wouldn't end."
"Yeah," Kentaro propped up his knee and rested his controller arm on it, swinging it slowly. It was really unfortunate.
"Hey, you," Haruki suddenly called out, causing Kentaro's gaze to meet his. Haru covered his eyes with his hand and continued, his voice slightly subdued. "Don't be foolish and cause trouble there. The fewer problems you create, the easier it'll be to get you out, understand?"
"Why does it suddenly feel like I'm being sent to prison?" Kentaro laughed.
"Just say that you understand, so I can be at ease," Haru's voice dropped, his words tinged with concern. "Even if it's a lie."
Raising his hand, Ginger's fingers hesitated just inches away from Haruki's face, withdrawing abruptly as Kentaro fought the urge to caress his friend's cheek. "Yeah... I understand."
--
At precisely eight o'clock, Kentaro's chauffeur arrived and parked in the driveway of his house. The man stepped out of the car silently, standing by the door with his hands clasped in front of him, observing the two teenagers engrossed in conversation on the porch.
He patiently awaited his Young Master.
"How meticulous," Haruki checked the time on his phone. "Not a minute late."
"I can't decide if I'm thrilled by this dependable service or not," Ginger replied, his expression less than pleased.
"You can't find a taxi this reliable these days," Haru teased, earning a playful glare from Kentaro. Chuckling to himself, he rose to his feet and stretched. "Guess it's time."
"It would seem so," Kentaro mirrored the action, but he didn't immediately head towards the waiting driver, despite the man's unwavering gaze fixed upon them.
"Are you really okay with leaving everything behind?" Haruki inquired, noting that Kentaro, who used to carry at least a small bag, now had nothing with him.
"Yes," Kentaro's gaze shifted from the house to Haru. "I left my phone and sketchbook in my desk drawer. Keep them safe for me while I'm gone."
"You won't need them?" Haru was taken aback. Leaving behind his cellphone made sense, but what about the sketchbook?
"If I leave behind what's important, it means I'll come back for them," Kentaro's lips curved slightly, his tone cool. "But if you doubt my words, then bring them to me when you come to get me."
Haru's heart twinged at the mention of that, but he smiled nonetheless. "Naturally. What kind of friend do you take me for?"
"Oh, and just so you know, I don't lock my phone in case you need anything from it," Kentaro added suddenly, earning a puzzled look from Haru.
Haruki was already aware of this. He had played games on Ginger's phone countless times. But he didn't question Kentaro's intention and simply nodded. "Sure."
Satisfied, Kentaro turned to leave, waving a hand in farewell. "See you later."
"...Yeah," their parting words mirrored those exchanged on countless occasions when Kentaro traveled back to his hometown. Haruki refused to view it as anything different.
They had to— no. They were going to see each other again, and it was going to be soon.
~~~~~~