The weather in Osaka was ethereal today. Scattered clouds drifted across the sky, and a gentle drizzle slowed the city's frantic rhythm. From above, the streets resembled a moving painting, dotted with people carrying vibrant umbrellas. A cool breeze swept through, scattering tiny droplets that offered a rare, soothing relief from the humid heat.
In the distance, a magnificent rainbow arched through the clouds. The majestic mountains of Osaka were now completely cradled in thick, white mist, as if they, too, were savoring the tranquility of the rain.
Inside the house, Ichiro called Shin and Fujiko into the room. With a voice heavy with remorse, he said, "Shin... Fujiko and I want you to come back to Tokyo. Please forgive us. When you needed our support the most, we burdened you with blame and guilt." He paused, looking down. "Son, we don't want you to live like this—isolated from the world. You have your whole life ahead of you; being alone will be far too difficult."
Shin shook his head slowly, his voice laced with a quiet sadness. "Dad, Mom... don't blame yourselves. The situation was such that your reaction was only human. When someone faces such trauma, they lose control over their words. But the truth is... it was my fault. I failed in my responsibility. Please, forgive me."
Tears welled in Shin's eyes. Unable to bear the weight of the moment, he rushed out to the balcony. As he sat there, staring into the gray sky, a sweet, innocent voice echoed in his mind:
"You have to be happy... please don't be sad. It wasn't your fault. You have to move forward, for me... please? I am always with you... and I'll come to see you soon."
"Shin... are you okay?"
Ai's voice was soft, barely a whisper. Shin was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't hear her at first. She gently placed a hand on his shoulder. "Shin, are you alright?"
Shin snapped back to reality, feeling the warmth of her hand. "Yeah... I'm fine," he replied softly. "Thank you for asking. You're truly a good person. I'm sorry if I've been rude to you... you've always been so kind."
Ai offered a small, tender smile. "It's okay, I didn't mind. I wanted to talk to you sooner... I just didn't have the courage."
Just then, Fujiko entered the room. "The weather is beautiful, kids. Let's go out. Shin, we've decided—you can stay here, but you must visit us often. We have to leave for Los Angeles tomorrow for an important business trip, so let's make today count."
Ai hesitated. "I shouldn't intrude on a family outing. You guys go ahead."
"You should come," Shin said, his voice firming up. "You're part of the family, too. A friend's family is one's own." Both Ai and Fujiko beamed. "Friend?" Ai whispered.
"You finally acknowledged me."
That evening, after a movie, they visited Osaka Castle. The historic fortress stood proud against the damp sky. As they walked through the gardens, the mist kissed their faces.
Shin thought to himself: 'I haven't felt this peace in a long time. It's like finding a well of pure water after wandering through a desert. The exhaustion, the loneliness... it's all turning quiet. This city, this weather... this moment is finally painting my life in new colors.'
The Next Morning
Morning arrived, golden rays spilling into Shin's room—but the room was empty. Down at the car, Ichiro and Fujiko were ready to depart.
Ichiro turned to Ai with a smile. "Ai, Shin is on his own here, and he can be quite careless. Please, look after him. Don't let him drift away into loneliness." Then he looked at Shin. "And Shin, cut your hair. It hides your eyes. If you want it long, at least maintain it properly."
"Alright Dad, I get it," Shin muttered.
Fujiko smiled, holding Ai's hand. "Study hard, dear. And Shin, make sure you always look after Ai."
Ai's face flushed a deep crimson. "Fujiko-san! We are just friends, not a couple!"
"That's exactly how love begins," Fujiko teased. Shin blushed as well, interjecting,
"Mom, stop. You're making her uncomfortable."
Ichiro laughed. "Alright, stop it Fujiko, or he'll go sulking off like a moody kitten! And Ai, don't mind her, she's just teasing. You two take care!"
As the car drove away, Ai turned to Shin with a mischievous glint. "Hello, Zoro 2.0! School's starting. Race you! Whoever gets there first is the winner!"
Before Shin could blink, she was gone. "What? A race? Hey, Ai! Wait! That's cheating!" Shin shouted, sprinting after her. By the time he reached the gate, Ai was standing there, breathless but triumphant.
"Hahaha! I won!" she teased.
"That... was... cheating," Shin panted. "You had a head start. It's unfair."
Ai smirked. "Even if we started together, the result would be the same. I only ran ahead because you're Zoro 2.0—I didn't want you getting lost."
Shin made a face. "Fine, you won. Let's go, class is starting."
Suddenly, a heavy hand slammed onto Shin's shoulder. "Hold up! Who's this new guy acting all familiar with our class's Resident Perfection?"
Shin turned, startled. A boy stood there with a wild, energetic grin. "What's your name? Speak up! I'm Itsuki, and brooooo... your hair is incredible! How long have you been growing it?"
Ai sighed. "Shin, this is Itsuki... our class 'Loser'."
"Hey! I might fail exams, but I am NOT a loser!" Itsuki barked.
Shin thought: 'What a strange guy. He asks for my name and then immediately introduces himself? And praising my hair? Seriously, our school is full of jokers. What can I even do... do you have jokers like this in your life, too? Let me know in the comments!'
TO BE CONTINUED...