Shingin's heart was a stormy sea, his emotions torn between shock, guilt, and disbelief. He wanted to reach out and pat the girl's head, but he hesitated. His hand trembled as he clutched the scorched photograph tightly, murmuring, "You're Shizuha Haitsu… it really is you… Impossible..."
Shizuha cautiously eyed Shingin, a probing doubt in her gaze. "Big brother, who are you? How do you know my name?"
Swallowing hard, Shingin fought to contain his turbulent emotions. He answered softly, "I'm... I'm your real brother." The words came out almost like a confession, leaving him breathless. For years, he thought he would never have the chance to say them. Meeting her again in a place like this felt beyond belief.
Shizuha's pupils widened, her stare blank with shock. "My real brother?" she repeated, her voice soft as a whisper, filled with hesitation and confusion. "But... I lost my brother and mom so many years ago..."
"It's true!" Shingin interrupted, urgency evident in his tone. "Shizuha, I've come to find you…"
Shizuha's gaze flickered with a mix of hope and wariness. She bit her lip, her voice trembling. "Are you really my brother? Then why didn't you come to find me sooner... all this time?"
Shingin felt like a dagger had been driven through his chest. Her every word was a blade, piercing deeper into his heart. He couldn't bring himself to meet her eyes because her questions carried pain, resentment, and a loneliness that he knew he could never truly heal.
His mind was a chaotic mess of self-reproach and shame. His little sister had been forced to endure hardships at such a young age, working and saving money just to search for her family. And him? For years, he had lived under their mother's care, using her hard-earned money to live comfortably, going to school, and avoiding his responsibilities. Clenching his fists, he felt his nails dig into his palms, the physical pain nothing compared to the anguish inside.
"I'm nothing but a failure," Shingin screamed internally, overcome with guilt. If he couldn't even protect his own sister, how could he call himself a brother?
His throat felt like it was clamped shut, and all he could manage was to repeatedly murmur, "I'm sorry." His voice grew hoarser with every repetition, filled with helpless remorse, as if hoping those two words could bear the weight of all his pain and regret.
"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry…" Shingin's eyes reddened as he glanced at Shizuha's small hands. Her fingers were covered with tiny scars and calluses, evidence of the struggles she had endured. He couldn't fathom what she had gone through, how much she had suffered. The realization that he had been absent during her most challenging days only deepened his torment.
Shizuha lifted her head, her expression a complex mix of emotions. She bit her lip and spoke coldly, "Brother, even if you say sorry, it doesn't change anything."
Shingin's face turned pale. He was speechless, standing there like a prisoner awaiting judgment. He knew she was right. Apologies wouldn't undo the past.
Taking a deep breath, Shingin steadied himself and spoke in a trembling voice, "You're right… Just saying sorry isn't enough. But from now on, you won't have to face anything alone. I'll take you home. I'll make it up to you..." His voice quavered with determination. "No matter how hard it is, I'll do it."
Shizuha's gaze softened slightly, but she didn't respond immediately. She simply looked at him, her eyes a mixture of guarded hope and residual distrust.
Shingin understood that his promises wouldn't be easily accepted, and his past mistakes couldn't be erased with mere words.
He broke the silence with a sudden burst of emotion. "Shizuha, come home with me! Mom will be so happy to see you!"
Hearing this, a flicker of anticipation crossed Shizuha's face, but it was accompanied by a trace of nervousness. "Will Mom… still recognize me? What if she doesn't believe it's me?"
Shingin's voice was firm as he reassured her, "How could she not? You're her daughter! I'll make sure she knows the truth. Trust me—come home!"
For the first time, a genuine smile lit up Shizuha's face, a smile that seemed to dispel years of pent-up sorrow and grievance. It made her appear lighter, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders.
Seeing her smile, Shingin couldn't help but grin as well, his voice tinged with excitement. "Come on, let's go meet my friends—and Yahageshii, our cousin. They'll be so happy to see you!"
The night was quiet, the park's streetlights flickering gently as they cast a warm glow over the reunited siblings. This time, Shingin resolved to prove himself with actions. He wouldn't let her down again. He would bring warmth and light back into her world, no matter the cost.