_After Few Days_
When Takeshi opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the sterile white ceiling of the hospital room. His body ached, his throat felt dry, and then his gaze shifted—his mother sat at his bedside, her eyes swollen and wet from crying.
"Mom… where's Dad?" Takeshi asked, his voice trembling with unease.
Aiko flinched. Tears welled up again as she forced a smile."Nothing to worry about, honey. Your dad just went to the police station… he'll come see you in a few days."
But even in his groggy state, Takeshi sensed something was wrong. His mother's voice was too soft, her smile was, too forced. His heart thumped painfully in his chest.
The truth was far harsher.When the police had found Haruto and Takeshi unconscious in the alley, witnesses had already called for help. After discovering the criminals' identities and the severity of their injuries, Haruto made his decision.
He confessed. He took all the blame for what had happened.
Three men were left severely injured—one with broken ribs, another crippled for life, and Yami, their leader, still in a coma. To shield his son from scrutiny, Haruto claimed responsibility. The police charged him with excessive violence, even though it had been self-defense. He was fined heavily and sentenced to six months in jail.
Aiko begged him to fight the charges, but Haruto only shook his head and said:"Take care of Takeshi. That's all I need."
When Takeshi was discharged and learned the truth, his world shattered.
His fists clenched as fear and guilt ate away at him. He replayed the battle in his mind—the snap of bones, the sickening sound of ribs breaking, the sight of blood on his father's lips. His chest tightened until it was hard to breathe.
*This power… it's a curse. Because of me, Dad is suffering. Because of me, people got hurt. In my past life, I made made my father suffer because i know he loved me and always wanted best for me but from my selfishness i make him suffer form my rude behaviour and run away from home … and in this life, the same things are happening again my family is suffering because of me.*
Aiko noticed her son withdrawing. She tried to talk to him, tried to remind him he wasn't alone. But every time, Takeshi turned away. He refused to meet her eyes, as though he didn't deserve her love.
One evening, she found him sitting in the garden, staring blankly at the sky. She quietly sat beside him, not forcing words but letting her presence speak. After a long silence, she finally whispered, "Takeshi, do you know why your father and I love you so much? Because you are our hope. You gave us a reason to live again. Don't throw that away."
Takeshi's eyes stung. He wanted to believe her… but the guilt still weighed heavily.
The weekend finally came. Aiko took Takeshi to visit his father in jail. The boy walked stiffly, as if every step was punishment. When Haruto appeared behind the glass window, Takeshi couldn't hold it back—tears spilled down his face.
"Dad… don't you blame me? Because of me, Mom was hurt… and now you're in jail. Isn't it all my fault?"
Haruto's gaze sharpened. He leaned forward, his voice firm but gentle."Takeshi. Don't be a coward. Don't carry the weight of other people's sins. Your mother was hurt by her own negligence. Those men attacked us out of cruelty. You didn't cause this. You stopped them. If it wasn't you, they would've hurt someone else. You saved lives, son. Don't ever forget that."
Takeshi shook his head, his voice breaking. "But… I hurt them so badly. What if they die because of me?"
Haruto's eyes softened. "Listen to me, Takeshi. Power isn't measured by how much damage it can cause, but by what you choose to protect with it. I know you don't want to kill anyone. That's why you must learn control. Running away won't protect anyone—it'll only leave you weaker. Didn't I always tell you to learn carving? To master your hands before mastering your fists?"
Takeshi fell silent. His father's words cut deep. He thought about his past life—selfish, careless, always taking things for granted. And yet, here in this life, his father once again bore the weight of his mistakes.
But this time… Takeshi didn't want to run.
He clenched his fists, tears streaming down his cheeks. No more selfishness. No more fear. I will become strong—not to hurt others, but to protect them. I will be the light that cuts through the darkness.
Haruto smiled, reaching out to pat his son's shoulder through the bars. "That's my boy. Don't let fear chain you. Let it sharpen you."
Aiko watched silently, her heart swelling with both pain and pride. In that moment, she knew—despite the shadows of guilt surrounding him, Takeshi would rise.
And when he did, he would shine brighter than anyone.
.
End of chapter