The man shut the car door gently after helping Kai inside, his face filled with quiet concern. Sliding into the driver's seat, he started the engine with a low hum. As the car pulled away from the desolate road where Kai had been abandoned, the only sounds were the rhythmic purr of the engine and the occasional crackling of gravel beneath the tires.
Kai sat in the back seat, clutching the oversized jacket draped over him. It smelled faintly of fresh linen and a trace of cologne—a scent that somehow made him feel safe. He stared at his hands, trembling slightly as the warmth of the car seeped into his cold, weary bones.
The man glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his eyes filled with curiosity and care.
"You've been through a lot, haven't you?"
he asked softly. His voice was deep, calming, with a fatherly tone that made Kai's chest ache.
Kai hesitated before nodding, his throat tightening as if a heavy stone had lodged there.
"What happened to you?"
The man's voice remained calm, but there was an undercurrent of urgency in his words.
Kai took a deep breath, his voice cracking as he began to speak.
"My… my parents…"
He swallowed hard.
"They hate me. They always hated me. They didn't even look at me like I was their son."
The man furrowed his brow.
"Go on,"
he encouraged, his eyes never leaving the road.
"They never fed me much,"
Kai whispered.
"They let me go to school, but only so I'd be out of the house. At school, I was bullied every day… punched, called names… I couldn't fight back. They didn't care. They didn't even listen."
He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms.
"And tonight… they—"
A sob caught in his throat, and he stopped, biting his lip so hard he tasted blood.
The man didn't push. He waited, his hands gripping the steering wheel tighter, knuckles whitening. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and filled with anger he tried to suppress.
"They took you into the forest, didn't they? And left you there?"
Kai nodded, silent tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Unbelievable,"
the man muttered, shaking his head.
"No child deserves that. No one."
He sighed, then turned his head slightly to look at Kai, softening his tone.
"Listen, Kai. My name is Aldric. Mr. Aldric. And… if you want… you can stay with me. My wife and I have a daughter, but we've always wanted to help another child. Someone who needs a family. Someone like you."
Kai's eyes widened. His lips quivered as hope sparked within him.
"R-Really?"
Aldric smiled, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.
"Yes, really. You deserve a chance at life, Kai. You deserve to be loved and cared for. If I left you in that forest, I'd never forgive myself."
For the first time in what felt like forever, Kai felt a flicker of warmth in his heart.
"Thank you, Mr. Aldric. Thank you so much."
Aldric chuckled.
"You can thank me later. For now, let's get you some food. You must be starving."
Kai nodded eagerly.
"I am. My parents… they barely fed me."
Aldric's jaw tightened, but he kept his voice calm.
"Don't worry. My wife makes the best food. We'll get you a proper meal. You'll never go hungry again."
Kai's heart soared. He sat back, wrapped in the warmth of the jacket and the promise of a new life.
The city of Shibuya sparkled like a sea of stars as they drove through the streets late at night. Neon lights flickered, casting vibrant reflections on the wet pavement.
Kai looked out the window, his breath fogging the glass.
"I haven't been here in a long time,"
he murmured.
Aldric glanced at him.
"Oh?"
"My parents never let me go out,"
Kai explained.
"I only went to school and back. No friends. No fun. Just… nothing."
He traced a finger along the glass, drawing shapes absentmindedly.
"We'll change that,"
Aldric promised.
"You'll go to a better school. One where you can learn, play, and—hopefully—make friends. I'll take care of everything."
Kai turned to him, his eyes wide with gratitude.
"You will?"
"Of course. Every child deserves a chance to be happy."
The words settled deep into Kai's heart. He nodded, hope blooming within him.
The car slowed as they approached a large, elegant house on the outskirts of the city. The mansion-like home stood proud, its windows glowing with warm light.
Kai stepped out of the car, staring in awe.
"This… this is your house?"
Aldric smiled.
"Our house. And now, it's yours, too."
Kai's eyes sparkled as he took in the sprawling lawn, the intricate design of the house, and the sheer size of it all.
"It's amazing."
They walked up the steps, and Aldric pulled out a set of keys. He unlocked the door, pushing it open to reveal a spacious living room filled with warmth and life.
"Honey, I'm home!"
Aldric called out.
From the kitchen, a sweet, melodious voice replied,
"Welcome back!"
A moment later, a beautiful woman appeared, wiping her hands on a towel. Her blonde hair was tied back in a neat bun, and she wore a white shirt, jeans, and a floral apron. Her eyes widened when she saw Kai.
"Oh my goodness!"
she exclaimed, rushing over.
"A child?"
Before Kai could react, she enveloped him in a warm, motherly hug, pressing his face against her ample chest. He blushed furiously, his heart racing as he felt the softness of her embrace.
"Where did you find him?"
she asked Aldric, her eyes filled with concern.
"In the forest,"
Aldric said grimly.
"Abandoned by terrible parents."
Her eyes darkened with sadness.
"Those monsters…"
She cupped Kai's face gently, examining the dirt and bruises.
"You poor thing. Don't worry. You're safe now."
"Also you can call me Ms sayuri"
Kai's heart swelled.
"Thank you… Ms. Sayuri."
"Call me Mom if you want,"
she said softly, smiling.
Tears welled in Kai's eyes as he whispered,
"Mom…"
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed from the staircase. Kai turned, his breath catching in his throat. A familiar face appeared—a girl with long black hair and piercing eyes and she looked very familiar to Kai.
It was her.
"Sara…"
he whispered.
The girl he saved from a robber even though he got beat up badly, and she still supported him.
She froze, her eyes wide with shock.
They stared at each other, the weight of their shared past hanging between them.
To be continued in the next chapter…