Chereads / Eternal celestial domain / Chapter 7 - Empty memories

Chapter 7 - Empty memories

Kenji stood alone in his room as the evening sun cast a golden hue through the window, painting his small space in a melancholic glow. The soft whispers of twilight crept in, signaling the approaching departure. With each item carefully placed into his bag, a pang of sadness tugged at his heart. The quiet solitude of his room echoed with memories of a life soon to be left behind, mingling with the anticipation of an uncertain future. Every fold of clothing, every essential packed away, felt like sealing a chapter of his life, leaving him with a bittersweet longing for what was.

Kenji murmured softly to himself, "Well, I did make a couple of memories in here. I guess it was my little area." As he looked around the room one last time, a sense of nostalgia washed over him, realizing that this space had been his sanctuary, where he had experienced moments both mundane and meaningful.

Kenji stood in his room, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun streaming through the window "Well, I guess that's everything," he muttered to himself, scratching his head thoughtfully. His eyes swept around the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds that had become his sanctuary. The posters on the walls, the cluttered desk adorned with books and trinkets, and the bed where he had spent countless hours dreaming and reflecting—all now bore witness to the farewell he was bidding to his cherished space.

"It's a shame I couldn't take more," he sighed softly, a touch of regret in his voice. Memories flooded his mind: late-night conversations with friends, moments of solitude, and the comfort of his own company. He had forged bonds and made memories in this room, and now he was preparing to leave it all behind.

The door swung open with a creak, and in walked the man and the girl, their presence filling the room with a mix of purpose and anticipation. Kenji turned to greet them, his expression a blend of readiness and lingering melancholy.

"Hey," the man said warmly, his silver hair catching the last rays of the setting sun. "You ready?"

Kenji nodded slowly, his bag slung over his shoulder. "Yeah, as ready as I'll ever be."

The girl stepped forward, a sympathetic smile on her face. "It's okay to feel sad about leaving," she offered gently. "You're starting a new chapter, but that doesn't mean you have to forget this one."

Kenji managed a small smile in return, grateful for her understanding. He glanced around his room one last time, taking in the familiar sights that had become so dear to him.

"I guess it's time," he finally said, his voice tinged with both apprehension and resolve.

The man nodded in agreement, offering a reassuring pat on Kenji's shoulder. "Let's go," he said, leading the way out of the room.

Kenji took a deep breath, steeling himself for the journey ahead. With a final farewell to his room, he followed them out, ready to embrace whatever awaited him beyond its walls.

As they stepped outside the apartment building, the man turned to Kenji and asked, "Did you manage to sort everything out with goodbyes and all?"

Kenji nodded, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "Yeah, I think so," he replied quietly. "It was harder than I thought it would be."

The girl placed a comforting hand on his arm. "It's never easy saying goodbye," she said softly, her empathy evident.

Kenji sighed, reflecting on the farewells he had exchanged earlier. "I'll miss them," he admitted, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Kenji hesitated for a moment before asking, "Wait, how did you manage to deal with the landlord and my safety officer? I've always been in trouble at the orphanage that's why I was able to have my own apartment so I'm surprised they agreed without being suspicious."

The girl chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "Come on, really? You saw us using all those crazy abilities, and you're asking how we got your safety officer and landlord to agree?"

Kenji blinked, realizing the irony of his question. "I guess you have a point," he admitted sheepishly, a slight smile playing on his lips.

They walked down the road towards the bus stop when Kenji spoke up, "By the way, I haven't got your names. What are they?"

The girl smiled warmly. "My name is Zoe," she replied.

The man nodded in agreement. "And I'm Maximus, but you can call me Max," he added.

Kenji quipped sarcastically, "Guess my name isn't important enough for you guys to ask, huh?"

Zoe replied casually, "Oh, we already know your name."

Kenji responded with surprise, "Wait, what do you mean? I don't remember telling you."

Zoe replied casually, "Oh yeah, I saw your diary at your apartment and read a bit. That's how I caught your name."

Kenji asked sharply, raising an eyebrow, "Who gave you permission to read my diary?"

Zoe snorted with laughter. "A diary?" she scoffed. "Come on, who even has that? Are you a teenage girl writing about how your crush ignored you today?"

Kenji retorted sharply, "You know, I really hate that mouth of yours. I wish I could tape it shut."

Max slowed his pace and gestured for both of them to stop. Zoe, visibly irritated, made gestures towards Kenji, emphasizing her annoyance.

Max gestured ahead, his gaze fixed on the approaching bus. "Here's the bus stop," he informed them calmly. "Our ride should be here any moment now."

Kenji and Zoe glanced at each other, their playful banter momentarily forgotten as they focused on the practicalities of their journey. The distant sound of the bus engine grew louder, signaling its imminent arrival.

Kenji remarked skeptically, "Hey man, do you even have tickets for us? You don't seem like the type who knows how to buy a ticket online."

Max retorted proudly, "Yes, I do. I bought them all by myself." Zoe muttered under her breath, "Yeah, with a little help from an old lady when you couldn't press the buy button." Kenji stifled a small laugh, making a noise that indicated amusement. Max shot them a slightly annoyed glance, but they both remained quiet, inwardly amused by the situation.

The bus pulled up in front of them, and they boarded, heading straight for the back row. As the bus slowly started to move away, they settled into their seats kenji sighed heavily, expressing his exhaustion. "Man, I'm drained. Where are we heading?" he asked Max.

Max replied calmly, "Mount Siya."

Kenji's eyes widened in shock. "What? That's like across the country! It's gotta be the most remote area."

Max responded calmly, "Well, you'll have to deal with it, buddy. Plus, you won't be alone; there are two other boys who will be training alongside you kenji sighed inwardly, thinking to himself, "At least I won't be alone to deal with this stuck-up old man and annoying brat."

Zoe laughed, teasingly saying, "Man, you should have seen your face! I knew it was a good idea to tell you now instead of before."

Kenji retorted with a grin, starting a playful argument with Zoe as the scene unfolded around them, their banter echoing through the bus as they journeyed towards Mount Siya.