Days began to pass peacefully, and the three of them grew closer with each passing day. Their friendship, built on shared laughter and trust, blossomed into something deep and unwavering. One evening, after an intense dojo training session, they decided to unwind at the park nearby. The weather was cool and pleasant, with a light breeze carrying the scent of blooming flowers. The park was alive with the chatter and laughter of children running around, playing on swings, and racing each other on the open fields.
The three friends found a quiet spot under a large oak tree, where the grass was soft and inviting. Keisuke leaned back against the tree trunk, tossing a small pebble from hand to hand. "Manjiro," he began, his voice casual but curious, "I've only seen your brother and your grandfather. Where are your parents?"
Manjiro's playful grin faltered, and his gaze shifted to the ground. A brief silence hung in the air before he finally answered. "My mother is in the hospital," he said quietly, his tone even but heavy with emotion. "She isn't well. Shinichiro said she would come back when she recovers, but…" He hesitated, the words catching in his throat. "But I know the truth."
Keisuke sat up straighter, the pebble forgotten in his hand. His eyes softened as he looked at Manjiro, unsure of what to say.
Manjiro continued, his voice quieter now. "As for my father… I don't even remember his face. Shinichiro told me he died in an accident when I was little."
Asuka, who had been sitting cross-legged nearby, looked at Manjiro with a mixture of empathy and determination. She leaned forward, her eyes locking onto his. "Mik—I mean, Manjiro," she said softly, her voice gentle but steady, "you can always come to our house. Our oka-san is your oka-san too."
Her words carried a warmth that seemed to cut through the heaviness in the air. She hesitated for a moment, glancing at Keisuke, before adding with a small smile, "Well, can we all visit your Oka-san together one day? I'd really like to meet her."
*She knew she couldn't do anything about his oka-san and felt guilty why can't she do anything even after knowing everything*
Manjiro's eyes widened slightly, his lips parting as though he wanted to respond but couldn't find the words. After a moment, he nodded, a faint but genuine smile breaking through his somber expression. "Yeah," he said, his voice lighter than before. "We can."
The following day, the three of them set out to visit Manjiro's Oka-san at the hospital. The walk there was mostly quiet, each of them lost in their thoughts. As they approached the hospital, Asuka's heart began to race. She clutched the straps of her bag tightly, her palms slightly damp with nervous anticipation.
Manjiro led the way through the hospital's stark, white corridors, his pace slowing as they neared his mother's room. He stopped just outside the door, his hand hovering over the handle. For a moment, he seemed frozen, his breathing shallow.
Keisuke stepped forward and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "It's okay," he said simply, his voice steady and reassuring. Asuka, standing on Manjiro's other side, offered an encouraging smile. "We're here with you," she said softly.
Taking a deep breath, Manjiro nodded and pushed the door open. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of machines and the rustling of curtains in the breeze. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on the figure sitting on the bed.
Manjiro's Oka-san was a beautiful woman with long black hair that fell in soft waves around her shoulders. Her pale complexion hinted at her fragile health, but there was a calmness about her that seemed to fill the room. She sat propped up on the bed, gazing out at the vibrant tree outside the window.
Asuka's breath hitched as she took in the sight of her. There was something about Manjiro's mother—her serene expression, her delicate features—that made Asuka feel both awe and a deep sadness.
Manjiro stepped forward hesitantly. "How are you doing, Oka-san?" he asked, his voice soft but filled with genuine care.
His mother turned her head at the sound of his voice, and her face lit up with a smile that seemed to chase away the gloom of the sterile room. "Better than before," she replied, her tone warm but faint. Her gaze shifted to Keisuke and Asuka, who stood quietly behind him. "Are these your friends?" she asked, her eyes brightening with curiosity.
Manjiro nodded and moved closer to her bedside. "Yeah," he said, glancing back at them. "They're my friends. We learn martial arts together too."
His mother smiled again, a soft, radiant expression that seemed to fill the room with warmth. She reached out and pulled Manjiro into a gentle hug, holding him close. "My little angel," she whispered, her voice filled with affection.
Turning her attention back to the twins, she asked, "What are your names, kids?"
Keisuke stepped forward, his posture confident but respectful. "I'm Keisuke, and this is Asuka. We're twins," he said, his tone polite yet cheerful.
"Hello, it's nice to meet you both," she replied, her expression kind and welcoming.
"It's nice to meet you too," the twins said in unison, bowing slightly.
The initial shyness dissolved as they all began to talk. They shared stories about their training at the dojo, their adventures in the park, and little anecdotes about their daily lives. Manjiro's mother listened intently, her smile never wavering, even as her energy seemed to ebb slightly.
Laughter occasionally filled the room, lightening the atmosphere and making it easy to forget, even if just for a moment, the hospital setting. Asuka couldn't help but admire how much strength Manjiro's mother exuded, despite her frail appearance.
But time, as always, moved too quickly. A nurse popped her head in to remind them that visiting hours were coming to an end.
Manjiro's mother pulled him into one last hug, her arms lingering around him as though she didn't want to let go. "Take care of yourselves," she said softly, her eyes filled with both love and a quiet resolve.
The three of them nodded. "You too," they replied in unison, their voices earnest.
As they left the room, Manjiro glanced back one last time. His mother was smiling at him, her gaze unwavering as she waved goodbye. The sight filled him with a mix of emotions—sadness, love, and a flicker of hope.
Walking down the hallway, the weight on Manjiro's shoulders seemed a little lighter. Keisuke and Asuka walked on either side of him, their presence a comforting reminder that he wasn't alone.
The three of them didn't speak much as they exited the hospital, but the silence was companionable. Manjiro finally broke it with a small, sincere smile. "Thanks, guys," he said quietly.
Keisuke grinned and threw an arm around his shoulder. "What are friends for?"
Asuka nodded, her own smile soft but genuine. "We're here for you, always."
The three of them walked on, their bond strengthened by the day's events, ready to face whatever lay ahead together.