Collecting Akio's remaining items, such as his toothbrush and pyjamas, Akio's mother stayed behind to open the cafe for the day. She enveloped Akio in a warm hug, planting kisses on his cheek before releasing him. "Have a fantastic sleepover, sweetheart, and make sure to have a blast!" she exclaimed as Akio's father settled him into the car. Akio's father smiled at his wife's words. "I love you, honey; see you in a bit," he said as they drove towards June's house. Akio's mother replied with equal affection, watching their departure.
During the car ride to June's house, Akio's father engaged him in conversation. "Alright, son, what's the first thing you're going to say to June's family when we arrive?" he inquired.
Akio looked at his father, recalling their earlier discussion while preparing for the sleepover. He responded, "I'll say, 'Thank you for having me, Hana and Daisuke,'" Akio repeated it carefully. His dad smiled and nodded approvingly. "That's the spirit," he said, offering encouragement. As they neared June's house, Akio's excitement surged, knowing he would soon reunite with June and his siblings. Pulling up to the gate, Akio eagerly jumped out of the car, not giving his father a chance to remind him about his bag. His dad chuckled contentedly, glad to see his child so enthusiastic. He retrieved Akio's small backpack, filled with his overnight essentials, and headed towards June's family's front door.
June's house shared the same architectural style as Akio's, featuring a modern facade mirrored at the front of the upper floor, adorned with lush greenery and vibrant flowers. An enchanting overgrown garden embraced the surroundings. The air was filled with the fragrance of blooming roses, while the gentle serenade of cicadas enveloped the warm summer afternoon. Sunlight filtered through the rustling leaves of ancient oak trees, casting dappled shadows across the cobblestone path leading to the front door.
Akio's father gently reminded him, "Remember what we talked about? What should you say when you see them, Aki?" His dad nodded towards the front door, referring to their earlier conversation in the car. Akio nodded eagerly, anticipating the building, as his dad pressed the doorbell.
After a few moments, a soft voice called out from behind the door, "Coming, please hang on." The door swung open, revealing June's mother, Hana, standing there to welcome the two of them. Akio's heart raced as he glanced at her, his palms growing slightly sweaty. He couldn't help but wonder if he might say something embarrassing again, haunted by the memory of his previous social blunder.
"Hello, Hana," Akio's dad greeted her, unaware of his son's unease. "I just came by to drop my son off." His dad glanced down at Akio, intending to remind him to say thank you, but noticed Akio was on the verge of tears, trembling as he looked up. Kneeling down to Akio's level, he picked him up, reassuring him that he was safe and that June's family was wonderful, dispelling any anxiety. Hana looked at Akio's father with a warm yet sympathetic smile as Akio turned his head away, still shaking.
His father glanced back at Hana, sighed softly, and gently patted Akio's head. "Aki," he said softly, "what do you say to Hana for letting you stay overnight?" he prompted. Akio slowly turned his head back around, glanced briefly at Hana, and said, "Thank you for having me," then quickly looked away. "Anytime, sweetheart," Hana replied softly, her tone assuring Akio that she was delighted to have him and making him feel comfortable around her. Immediately, June's father passed by and noticed Akio and his dad standing at the door. He greeted them together, inviting them inside for tea or coffee.
Akio's dad declined, explaining that he needed to return to help his wife prepare for the cafe opening. However, he assured them that next time they would be delighted to stay for tea. While they were conversing, June came downstairs with his siblings to see what was happening. Akio saw June and waved enthusiastically, saying, "Hi June!" His dad let him go, and Akio went inside with June and his siblings to play, leaving his dad with June's family. "Aki," his dad called out, "no goodbye hug?" Akio looked back at his dad and rushed to him, giving him a tight hug. The others joined in, and laughter filled the air. Akio's dad planted a big kiss on his cheek before heading back home to assist his wife and bid farewell to everyone.
"Have fun, Aki," he called out, smiling.
June took Akio's hand and led him upstairs to his room, where his siblings also joined them. As they entered June's room, Akio's eyes lit up with curiosity. The walls were adorned with glowing star stickers and spaceship decals, creating a mesmerising atmosphere. However, what truly captured Akio's attention was June's artwork. Although June wasn't a skilled artist at that time, Akio deeply admired his drawings and felt inspired to give them a try. Sensing Akio's interest, June invited him to join in. Akio nodded excitedly, and they all began drawing together, sharing a creative experience alongside June's siblings.
Hana later climbed the stairs to June's room and discovered the four children happily engrossed in drawing and playing. She gently interrupted their activities with a suggestion: "Who wants to make pancakes?" June's older brother, Kaito, perked up and exclaimed, "Ooh, that sounds like fun!" His younger sister, Emi, eagerly followed suit, jumping up with excitement to assist her mum in preparing the ingredients.
As Kaito and Emi left the room to help their mother, it was just June and Akio left behind. Akio wore a bright smile as June complimented his drawing. Akio, feeling a bit shy, added, "Thank you; I like yours too," while glancing back at his own artwork. June got up and fetched something from his desk, placing it next to Akio. It turned out to be a set of coloured pencils, and the two boys eagerly started drawing together, sharing laughter and joyful moments. They were so engrossed in their art and play that they completely forgot about making pancakes with June's family. Daisuke, June's father, joined the boys later in June's room after the first pancake had been cooked and called the boys to assist in the pancake-making activity. Reluctantly leaving their artwork on the floor, the boys joined the rest of the family and pitched in to make the rest of the pancakes and decorate them. The kitchen soon descended into delightful chaos, with pancake batter splatters adorning not only Akio's hair but also everyone else's. As they worked, the pancake mixture gradually dwindled, prompting them to shift their focus to cleaning up the sizable mess they had created.
Each one of them was assigned a specific area of the kitchen to tidy up. Once the last patch of mess had been cleared, they decided to set up a makeshift sleeping area in the living room, as they all wanted to sleep together. Kaito, being the oldest, helped bring the mattress down with his father, while Emi assisted in bringing down the sheets.
Akio and June collaborated to bring down all of June's belongings—plush animals and pillows—to create a cosy and playful sleeping area. While the family worked together to prepare the makeshift sleeping space, Akio and June helped Hana arrange the sheets and put the pillowcases on the pillows.
As June headed off to assist his mother with additional tasks, Akio couldn't help but observe the profound connection that June shared with his family. It closely mirrored his own strong bond with his parents, further strengthening their families' friendship. June, born into affluence, had always lived a life of luxury at a young age. Although this lifestyle didn't align with his family's values, tensions arose when June's aunt got wind of their plan to leave their home. She was adamant about having them reside with her, and despite her deep desire for their continued presence, she recognised that she couldn't impose their choices or force them to stay. She reluctantly let them go, even though it pained her, as she didn't wish for their departure. June is renowned for being an energetic and self-sufficient child, always eager to assist his family. His favourite pastime is joining his father in creating artistic paintings, as he harbours a deep passion for drawing and all things art-related, especially painting.
Every day, June dedicates time to pursuing artistic endeavours alongside his dad. They often find themselves seated together, accompanied by music, while they create on their canvases. June has established his own cosy nook right next to his father's workshop, regularly joining him in this space. Here, he becomes fully immersed in painting, working side by side with his father as they devote themselves to their individual art projects. June's father, a landscape artist, remains a constant source of inspiration, fueling June's enduring passion for the world of art. June adores his father's art space; it exudes warmth with sunlight streaming in, creating a cosy atmosphere. Paintings adorn the walls, and splatters of paint decorate every corner. Despite the apparent mess, June thrives in this environment, aspiring to follow in his father's footsteps as a skilled painter. While June's preference leans towards portrait art, he has received valuable guidance from his father in the creation of exquisite landscapes.
"You want to watch a movie with our family after dinner?" June asked cheerfully. Akio nodded happily, and the family gathered around the table to eat together. "Itadakimasu," they all said.
As the entire family joyfully shared their meal, Akio exchanged a meaningful glance with June, who returned it with a warm smile. Observing that June had finished all of his chicken, Akio kindly placed a piece on his plate. June's father noticed the gesture and chimed in, "Akio, you can have that piece. June has had quite a lot of chicken already," his words filled with warmth and gratitude. Despite Akio's insistence, he left it on June's plate, allowing him to have it, and continued enjoying his own meal.
Later, the family gathered on the couch, with Akio, June, and Emi nestled in a cosy makeshift spot, while Kaito, along with his parents, sat beside them, engrossed in the movie. Midway through the film, June, Akio, and Emi had all drifted off to sleep. Kaito gently lifted Emi, carrying her to bed, while the parents quietly turned off the TV and tidied up the popcorn and snacks laid out on the table. June's father tenderly kissed June's forehead before heading upstairs to Kaito, who was already preparing for bed. Once June's mother finished cleaning, she too went to check on the boys and found them snuggled together, a sight that warmed her heart. She, too, gave June a loving peck on the forehead before retiring to bed.
Laughter from the two boys downstairs roused Hana and Daisuke, June's parents, from their sleep. They exchanged knowing glances and then made their way downstairs gracefully. Upon reaching the living room, they were met with the sight of the two boys playfully sprawled on top of each other.
"Good morning, Mum and Dad," June greeted them, laughing as Akio lay on top of him.
"Good morning," Akio chimed in.
"Good morning to both of you," replied their father with a warm smile. "Look at you two, already wrestling this early," he chuckled. June's father playfully lifted Akio into the air alongside June, and the three of them shared laughs and giggles as they enjoyed their morning bonding time. Meanwhile, their mother was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the family. Moments later, Emi joined them, calling out for her mother as she longed for a morning embrace.
"Good morning, darling," her mother replied, tending to the cooking. Emi, her eyes still heavy with sleep, made her way to her mother for a morning cuddle.
"Morning, mummy," she mumbled, rubbing her slender, sleepy eyes and nestling into her mother's tall frame while letting out a contented sigh. Hana gently picked Emi up and continued preparing breakfast.
As the family enjoyed their morning playtime and cooking, Kaito also joined in the family's morning activities. He let out a big yawn and greeted them with a sleepy "Good morning."
"Morning," both parents greeted, their attention focused on their morning tasks. Kaito sat at the dining table, scrolling through his phone. His mother noticed him and asked for his assistance instead of him just sitting there idly.
Kaito let out a sigh, placing his phone on the table, and joined his mother in setting out cutlery and plates for breakfast. As the family enjoyed their meal, Akio couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness, knowing that he would be heading home soon and leaving behind the fun times he had with June.
"Akio?" Emi beckoned. "Will you come back for another sleepover?" she inquired. Akio felt a warm glow from her question and replied, "I would love to!"
"You are welcome to stay with us anytime," Hana assured Akio. Emi responded with joy, exclaiming, "Yay!" as she relished having more playmates around. While everyone enjoyed their meal, Daisuke took the initiative to collect Akio's belongings from June's room, knowing that Akio's parents would soon arrive to pick him up. Coming down the stairs with Akio's belongings, Daisuke announced, "Now, Akio, I've collected all your belongings from June's room," Daisuke said, ensuring that he had gathered everything together. "Is there anything you might have left downstairs?" Daisuke inquired. Akio shook his head, popping a small piece of waffle into his mouth before heading off to brush his teeth.
In a split second, the doorbell rang as the family wrapped up their meal, and Akio, too, was in the bathroom brushing his teeth. "I wonder who it could be," mused Daisuke, who promptly opened the door, revealing Akio's parents, Haruna and Sakuya, on the other side. "Haruna, Sakuya, it's delightful to see you!" Daisuke exclaimed, addressing them by their names. "Good morning," they both said with warm smiles.
"Please, come in and make yourselves at home; we've just finished breakfast," Hana replied with a warm smile. Both parents entered and took a seat at the dining table, waiting for their son.
"Wow, you've decorated your house so nicely," Akio's mother remarked with pleasure.
"Thank you; it's not much, but it's simple and we like it because it feels very homey," Hana replied.
"I bet it does; I could get used to this amazing atmosphere," Akio's mother chuckled.
As the parents engaged in their conversation, June went in search of Akio, wondering why he was taking so long to brush his teeth. "Akio?" June called out. He first looked for him in the bathroom but he wasn't there so he searched for him in his room. When he found Akio, he was on the floor, busy finishing up the picture he didn't finish yesterday. June joined him, curious about what he was doing.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
Akio glanced up at June and replied, "This is me and you." He sat up, offering June the drawing with an endearing smile. "I really, really like you, so let's be friwands forever, okay?"
June gazed at Akio, then at the drawing, and replied with a big smile, "Okay!"
After that encounter, Akio set off and returned home. He raced upstairs to his room, leaping onto his bed with a sense of longing for his familiar surroundings and his favourite stuffed animal. A bright smile illuminated his face as he looked back on the sleepover he had and June's company. Akio had grown more sociable with June and his siblings, a change that filled his parents with joy as they saw him blossoming into his true self. Hiroshi's family began coming to their cafe more often, creating more chances for Akio and June to play together. While Akio spent a lot of his time with June, his passion for art deepened by the day as he and June spent every available moment drawing and colouring. Akio yearned for each day to be like this, sharing artistic times with June, as he found it to be the most enjoyable. Over time, their bond grew stronger than ever.
September 19th swiftly arrived. June and Akio, accompanied by their parents, gathered by the park. It marked a big day as Akio turned seven, and they planned to celebrate the morning at his cherished park. "Your son is growing up so fast. June, at just eight, he will soon catch up to him,' Hana remarked, her voice laced with a gentle chuckle. Akio's mother glowed happiness as she looked at Akio and replied, 'Yes...' Her gaze remained fixed on Akio, who was happily swinging. 'June, June!' Akio called out, capturing June's attention. June looked at Akio, who was now on the slide and joined him.
'Happy birthday!' The family chorused, singing the birthday song for Akio. 'Make a wish,' his mother encouraged. He closed his eyes in front of a big chocolate cake sprinkled with colourful candles, ready to make a special wish as he blew them out. June hugged Akio tight and laughed, then Akio looked at June and laughed as well. The boys exchanged bright smiles with both sets of parents before heading over to assist in serving the cake.
Akio's parents took charge, expertly slicing the cake and distributing slices to the gathered guests. Subsequently, Akio delightedly unwrapped gifts from his own parents, June's family, and a special present from June himself. The presents were carefully wrapped, adorned with exactly car or teddy bear designs on the paper. Akio eagerly tore open the first gift, revealing a charming stuffed rabbit from June. His eyes sparkled with joy as he clutched the toy tightly. "Thank you so much, June," he expressed gratefully, embracing his new stuffed animal while gazing at him. June, in turn, blushed and sheepishly scratched his head, glancing away. "You're welcome," he mumbled, hurrying to his parents in an attempt to conceal his reddened cheeks.
Akio received more presents, including toys from his parents and art supplies from June's family, knowing his deep love for art. As time whisked by, Akio and June found themselves nestled in Akio's room, happily engaged with his birthday gifts. "Akio!" June's sudden exclamation piqued Akio's curiosity. A faint blush adorned June's cheeks as he murmured, "You looked cute hugging the doll I gave you." He glanced at the floor, his hand nervously scratching his neck. Blushing, Akio met June's gaze briefly before diverting his eyes. "T-Thanks. I think you're cute too," he admitted, the room filling with a momentary silence as they struggled to find the right words.
Breaking the silence, June initiated a warm embrace, wrapping Akio in a tight hug. Akio tensed up a bit, but then relaxed and hugged back, finding comfort in June's comforting hold. "June," Akio said, his fingers cupping June's cheek. "I want to be with you forever." Though he wasn't entirely sure what he said or what it meant, he wanted June to understand his desire to remain close. June chuckled and nodded, a shared understanding passing between them. Later, June's sibling entered Akio's room, reminding June of the approaching evening and their impending bedtime.