Mira led Kato through the lush garden, her steps purposeful, though Kato trailed behind, lost in his thoughts. She stopped abruptly and glanced back at him. Kato, oblivious, barely noticed her gaze.
Mira: (to herself) This feels just like back then. Only now, our roles are reversed. Your words unknowingly helped me see myself differently, and I'll always be grateful for that. That's why I chose to become your friend.
To chase after you.
To be that person you always saw.
To see the value in people the way you saw the value in me.
To always be close to you.
You think me being the second best after you in class is a coincidence?
You changed me, Kato. Your words saved me, Kato.
Mira: (to herself) Just like you helped me back then, I'm going to fulfill my promise to help you now. I'll bring you back from this darkness. I'll do whatever it takes to see your smile again. Because I…
Then Kato spoke, breaking through her thoughts.
Kato: Mira? Why did you bring me out here?
Mira: Isn't it obvious? I'm fulfilling the promise I made to you back then. Don't you remember?
"We'll be here for you when the aftermath starts."
Kato: I remember. But... (looks down) I don't think you should bother with me. I'm just a liar who just says anything.
Mira looked at him silently.
Kato: I always told myself I was ready to take on everything as long as you guys were with me. But when my mom… in her final moments, I realized I never truly believed those words. I've been lying to myself this whole time.
Mira: (sighs)
Kato: It's better that—
Mira suddenly walked up to Kato and flicked her finger on his forehead gently.
Kato: Ow.
Mira: Idiot. You think saying that will keep me away? Sorry, but it'll take more than that to get rid of me. Now come on, everyone's waiting.
Kato: Everyone?
*******
They walked until they reached Daniel and Lyra's wooden cottage which Kato instantly recognized.
Kato: Why are we here?
Mira: You'll see.
As they approached the entrance, Kenji and Yamato came outside to meet them.
Yamato: Took you love birds long enough.
Mira: (blushes) Love birds!?
Kenji: Don't mind him. You two, come on in. Everyone's waiting.
Inside, Kato found Isaiah, Cookie, and Uta already there along with Daniel and Lyra. Everyone fell silent as Kato entered.
Kato: You guys.....
Isaiah: Yo.
Uta nodded silently.
Cookie: We heard what happened to your mom. I'm so sorry.
Kato's face fell.
Kato: It was always going to happen, wasn't it? I just deluded myself into thinking everything would be okay. But…
Yamato then tapped the chair beside him.
Yamato: Come on man. Sit down and lay it all out. That's why we're here.
Kenji: Yeah, spill it.
Kato let out a deep, shaky sigh.
Kato: I feel so hollow. There's this emptiness in my chest which makes sense, since my mom's gone. But it's more than that.
He took another breath, slower this time, like he was trying to keep himself from breaking.
Kato: I'm so angry with myself. After everything that's happened, I told myself I could face anything. But honestly… it all feels too much for me. And I still lied to myself that I could handle it. My mom's death just made me realize that.
His hands curled into fists at his sides.
Kato: I was never ready for any of this. The words I said before were just excuses to make myself feel competent. And I hate that. I hate myself for it.
His shoulders began to shake. Then, to everyone's shock, Kato dropped to his knees, tears spilling freely from his eyes.
Kato: And now… I don't know how to move on.
He tried to hold the tears back but he couldn't. Mira knelt beside him and gently placed her hands on his trembling shoulders.
Mira's It's okay to cry.
That was all it took.
The dam inside him burst. Kato cried out, his sobs loud and unrestrained, no longer caring who saw. And one by one, the others moved closer.
Mira held his hands. Yamato rested a steady hand on his shoulder. Isaiah sat beside him. Cookie leaned in. Uta stepped forward. Daniel stood close, and Lyra wiped tears from her own eyes as she watched.
Kato wasn't alone anymore.
*****
Meanwhile…
A man with blond hair sat alone on a park bench, a brown jacket draped over his shoulders, a white shirt beneath it, and a brown scarf wrapped loosely around his neck. Both of his hands were wrapped in bandages. He sat beside a quiet pond, tearing pieces of bread and tossing them to the ducks paddling across the water.
For a while, he said nothing and while he just watched them eat, someone sat down beside him. The man glanced over and saw Ervin Hashido sitting beside him.
Ervin studied him for a moment before speaking.
Ervin: You seem pretty down.
The blond man blinked.
Blonde Man: (to himself) He's talking to me? (to Ervin) Yeah. I'm not in the best mood.
Ervin nodded.
Ervin: Want to talk about it?
Blonde Man: You wouldn't get it.
Ervin: Try me.
The man scoffed quietly.
Blonde Man: Why should I tell you? I don't even know who you are. What good does it do you if I talk?
Ervin smiled faintly.
Ervin: You're right, you don't know me. But sometimes talking to someone outside your circle helps. Just a fresh perspective. And maybe… just maybe, it might help you too.
The blond man stared at the pond. After a long pause, he sighed.
Blonde Man: I lost someone important to me. She was the only light in my cold, dark world. And now that light is gone… and there was nothing I could do to stop it.
Ervin's eyes softened.
Ervin: I know that feeling. I know what it means to lose someone special.
Ervin looked at his face and then gave a small, almost sad chuckle.
The man frowned.
Blonde Man: What's funny?
Ervin looked at him more closely.
Ervin: Nothing. Just that you have the same look as him.
The Blonde man raised an eyebrow in confusion.
Blonde Man: Him? Who are you talking about?
Ervin turned fully toward him and suddenly had a serious look on his face.
Ervin: You know exactly who I'm talking about. Kato Hamura. You're Hiroshi Hamura… and you're his father, aren't you?