Haruto and his family settled on the couch. His mother, still emotional, said, "You should have let us know you were coming, I would have prepared your favorite meal. But don't worry, I'll start cooking it right away."
Haruto looked puzzled and said, "I informed Rensuke. Didn't he let you know?"
Everyone turned their gaze to Rensuke, who grinned and said, "I thought it would be more exciting as a surprise." Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on everyone's face.
Haruto's father rested a hand on his shoulder, saying warmly, "Haruto, I'm so glad you're back."
Haruto's smile dimmed as he replied, "Dad, I'm only here for a day."
The mood in the room shifted, and his family's faces fell with a mix of sadness and disappointment.
"But son, this is your home. Why are you living so far away in a rented apartment?" Haruto's father asked with a hint of concern.
"Dad, I'm fine," Haruto responded calmly. "I just prefer living on my own. My workplace is close to my apartment, so it's more convenient for me."
"Haruto," his mother began, her voice trailing off "but you can find another-"
"Mom, let him be," Rensuke gently interrupted. "Let's give him some space. He's promised me that one day he'll come back, and we'll all live together like we used to."
His mother's expression softened with sadness.
Haruto's smile widened as he stood up and sat between his mother and father, wrapping his arms around them and pulling them close. "Mom, Dad, don't worry. I'm only away for a little while. I promise I'll be back soon." His parents' expressions brightened into smiles.
"Mom, I'm here, so you have to cook all my favorite meals!" Haruto said.
His mother smiled warmly, placing a hand on his face. "Don't worry, I will, but only if you help out like you used to."
Haruto grinned brightly and replied, "You've got it!"
The room filled with smiles as everyone shared in the moment…
Rensuke opened the door and said, "Here's your room."
Haruto stepped inside and began scanning the room with a smile. "It's just the same as I remember," he said.
Rensuke stepped inside, saying "Yeah, Mom never let anyone else into this room. She only came in to clean."
Haruto smiled as he surveyed his old belongings, a wave of nostalgia washing over him.
Rensuke placed a hand on Haruto's shoulder and said, "Go freshen up and take some rest." Haruto nodded with a smile. As Rensuke left the room, Haruto took a deep breath and let his eyes wander over the nostalgic space…..
As night settled in, Rensuke and Haruto sat side by side on the roof of their house, each holding a cup of tea. Their heads up, gazing at the moon, its gentle light casting a serene glow over them.
"It's crazy how quickly time passes," Rensuke remarked, a nostalgic smile tugging at his lips. "It feels like just yesterday we were kids, playing football, video games, and living carefree."
Haruto took a thoughtful sip of his tea and replied, "Yeah, time really does fly. I didn't even notice how I fell behind in the race of life."
Rensuke's expression softened with concern as he turned his gaze toward Haruto "Why do you say that?" he asked.
Haruto smiled, taking another sip of his tea before responding, "It's true, everyone my age has moved on so quickly, leaving me behind. I feel like I can't even connect with them anymore."
Rensuke sighed deeply. "So, that's why you decided not to attend the Grand Reunion." he asked.
Haruto turned his gaze to Rensuke and asked, "And why didn't you go?"
Rensuke looked back at the moon, taking a sip of his tea before replying, "I chose not to go because you were coming home today."
Haruto smiled, "So, you skipped the event just because I was coming?"
"No, not exactly," Rensuke replied with a grin. "I had an online meeting to attend today."
Haruto's smile deepened, realizing his brother had indeed skipped the reunion for his sake. They both turned their gazes back to the moon, savoring their tea in a comfortable, shared silence.
Rensuke set his empty cup aside and glanced at the closed rooftop door to ensure it was securely shut. He then pulled out a pack of cigarettes and offered it to Haruto.
Haruto smiled, taking a cigarette from the pack. Rensuke lit his own cigarette and then extended the lighter to Haruto, who followed suit. Both settled into a quiet rhythm, puffing on their cigarettes as they continued to gaze at the moon.
"Do you still smoke regularly?" Haruto asked.
"Not really," Rensuke replied with a smile. "Just a couple of times a week. What about you? When did you start smoking?"
Haruto exhaled a puff of smoke and said, "I don't smoke often, only two or three a month."
Rensuke pulled out his phone and began scrolling through it. After a moment, he extended the device to Haruto who took the phone and glanced at the screen, which displayed a photo of a girl.
"Is she your new girlfriend?" Haruto asked with a smile.
Rensuke chuckled and said, "She isn't my choice. Mom's the one who picked her out for me."
Haruto's eyes widened in surprise, and a smile spread across his face. "Seriously? You're actually going to marry her?"
Rensuke smiled and replied, "I don't know. Mom hasn't talked to her family yet."
Haruto chuckled, "So, after seventeen failed relationships, you've decided to marry someone mom picked for you?" His tone was light and teasing.
"Yeah, well, Mom knows exactly what's best for her son," Rensuke replied with a knowing smile.
Haruto's expression softened into a warm smile as he reflected on Rensuke's words.
"What about you? Is there anyone special in your life?" Rensuke asked, his tone curious.
Haruto's smile faded as he took a drag from his cigarette.
Rensuke's expression shifted to one of dismay as he continued, "Please don't tell me you're still in love with Kanna."
Haruto said nothing, only releasing a thick cloud of smoke.
"Haruto, it's over now," Rensuke said, his voice heavy with sorrow. "You need to let go. I'm certain she's moved on by now."
"I can't," Haruto answered sharply.
Rensuke's gaze remained fixed on him, his eyes reflecting sadness.
"I really can't," Haruto said, his voice breaking. "Even if I want to, my mind, my heart, my eyes, they just won't let me forget her."
Rensuke listened intently, the depth of his sorrow growing as he took in Haruto's anguished confession.
"Damn, you really love her," Rensuke said, seeming surprised.
Haruto forced a small smile and replied, "Yeah, I do. I've tried to forget her by seeing other womens, but it's no use. I just end up searching for her in every new girl I meet, and it never works."
"You should consider getting married, it might help you move on from Kanna," Rensuke suggested.
"I don't know any girl who would agree to marry me," Haruto replied, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Rensuke's eyes brightened as he quickly interjected, "What about Misa? The girl you met through the video game, and dated during COVID? She was gorgeous and clearly cared for you a lot."
"It only lasted three months," Haruto said, "After that, we broke up."
"Why?" Rensuke asked, his curiosity visible.
"She started bad-mouthing Kanna, which I couldn't stand. I ended up losing my temper, that's when she decided to end things." Haruto explained.
"What about Mei?" Rensuke asked, his excitement visible. "She was stunning, and remember how she used to send you love letters and keychains?"
"Yeah, she did propose to me, but I turned her down," Haruto replied. "At the time, Mei caused a lot of trouble for Kanna, who ended up in tears that day. Ever since then, my hate toward Mei has only deepened."
"So, you essentially ended things with every girl because of Kanna," Rensuke said, a smile playing on his lips.
"No, I left them because they weren't right for me," Haruto replied.
Rensuke's smile broadened. "Then why not marry Kanna?"
Haruto's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Rensuke, stunned by the suggestion.