In the dimly lit world of an orphanage, Sakamoto was but a child, barely able to utter a word. He couldn't fathom why fate had punished him, casting him into the confines of an orphanage, where his voice was lost among the echoing whispers of loneliness. Yet he remained steadfast, finding solace in the belief that everyone around him was family.
That conviction persisted until one fateful day when a middle-aged woman appeared before him.
On the occasion of his fifth birthday, she introduced herself as his aunt and sat down beside him, a photo album in hand. With gentle words, she spoke of the individuals captured within the pictures. The pages of the album turned, and soon enough, they ventured outside for a stroll, leading him towards an unfamiliar tombstone.
"This is Hara Kaoru," the woman softly uttered.
Despite the knowledge of his background and the many visits he had made to unfamiliar graves, Sakamoto found no emotional attachment to the faces in those photographs. The same sentiment echoed within him concerning the woman who had gradually ceased to be a part of his life.
As memories flickered through his mind, Sakamoto glanced to his left, where Yuuji's tear-stained face still bore traces of emotion.
"So, what I'm trying to tell you is…," Sakamoto said, his smile warm and radiant. "In my heart, I don't feel like I've lost family. I've gained a new one—Mom, Dad, and of course, you."
Yuuji, burdened by his guilt, tried to speak, "But… I've done something terrible…"
"It's all right. I don't feel directly affected by it, but that doesn't mean I condone what you did. If I were in Ueda-san's place, I'd also feel betrayed."
"Um… but Naoki-kun… I kept our relationship a secret from you."
Leaning gently on Yuuji's shoulder, Sakamoto offered a tender smile, "I understand. Being in a same-sex relationship can be tough… You can never predict how others will react until you confide in them."
As time wore on, the sky darkened, and the street lamps blinked like nocturnal fireflies. Under the gentle glow, Yuuji's smile reappeared, his burden seemingly lifted by Sakamoto's unwavering kindness.
Eventually, the tall and well-built young man rose to his feet, extending his hand towards Yuuji.
"Let's go home," he said.
"Um."
Hand in hand, they left the wooden bench behind, departing the park together.
Their conversation flowed endlessly as they walked along the narrow roads of the residential area. It was likely they had not seen each other for quite some time, as they spoke of the moments they had missed.
But when they finally reached Yuuji's house, their conversation reached its natural conclusion.
Sakamoto stood at the steel front gate, watching attentively as Yuuji entered the house safely. However, before he could take more than a few steps away, Yuuji turned around to his friend.
With a smile that could melt hearts, Yuuji expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for tonight, Naoki-kun. I'm so glad to have you in my life."
"Don't be so formal with me," Sakamoto chuckled.
In response, Yuuji giggled adorably, bidding goodnight before heading inside.
Now alone outside, Sakamoto gazed at the two-story house before him. With Yuuji no longer in front of him, he was seemingly able to be his true self – his smile slowly faded, like the setting sun veiled by the thickening night fog.