Osaka City… early morning.
A faint winter breeze swept past the grand entrance of the Hanazawa bungalow.
Standing near the gate was Saori Hanazawa.
A deep red—almost brick-red—long-sleeve sweater rested softly over her shoulders. The fabric was slightly loose, yet the sleeves fit neatly around her wrists. The round neckline was simple… elegant. Two small decorative buttons lined one side—subtle, but noticeable… like a quiet hint of something left unsaid.
Below, she wore a high-waisted cream midi skirt. Flowy. Structured. A matching belt was fastened snugly at her waist, keeping her silhouette clean and composed. When the wind brushed past, the skirt moved with a gentle swishhh. Black stockings created a quiet contrast beneath it. On her feet—clean white sneakers. Minimal. Unpretentious.
A taxi turned from the road and came to a stop in front of the bungalow.
Grrrr… khatt.
Saori remained still for a moment.
Then she stepped forward.
The taxi door opened—click—and she slid into the back seat.
The door shut.
Thud.
She inhaled deeply.
"Haah…"
And slowly let it out.
The taxi began to move.
Outside the window, Osaka was waking up. Someone jogged along the sidewalk—tap… tap… tap… the rhythm of sneakers against pavement. A shopkeeper pulled up a shutter—krrrkkk… clang! An elderly woman arranged vegetables at her stall. A young boy ran past, clutching his school bag.
Saori's gaze lingered on the glass.
In the reflection, her face looked composed…
—but inside, something had already begun to crack.
Her own voice echoed quietly in her mind.
"My name is Saori… and today, I'm going to see my brother… Sato Hanazawa…"
A flash.
Sato's bright smile. The sparkle in his eyes. That straightforward, almost innocent expression.
"…but…"
Her gaze dropped.
"Mom. Dad. The relatives… their taunts. Every single day. Just because he chose something for himself. He could have defended himself… but he didn't even try. He simply stood there and listened."
Another flash.
Sato standing in the center. Shadows surrounding him. Fingers pointing. Accusing. Judging.
And among those shadows…
Saori herself.
The taxi came to a stop.
Krrkk.
She closed her eyes for a brief second.
Then stepped out.
Osaka Station loomed ahead. The rush of people. Footsteps echoing on the stairs—tap tap tap tap…
Automatic gates—beep.
She reached the metro platform and paused, scanning the space.
In the distance, headlights appeared.
Whooshhh— swishh—
The train glided in and stopped in front of her.
Ding dong.
Saori took a small step forward…
…and boarded.
She sat in a corner seat, placing her small bag on her lap. Both hands rested over it.
Outside the window, the city began to slip away.
"I said terrible things to Sato too… because of his choice. Because of the family's reputation. But now… when I look back…"
Flash.
She stands ahead. Sato walking away—far, far away. Yet he turns once more, smiling at her.
That same bright smile.
"It's been nine years, Sato… Dad never visits. Mom doesn't either. I wonder… is he happy? With her?"
The train picked up speed.
Ghhhhrrr— whooshh—
Her reflection blurred faintly in the glass.
Her eyes felt numb.
A tear fell.
Tap.
Then another.
Tap.
Then it didn't stop.
Tears streamed down steadily, dampening the upper fabric of her skirt.
Saori bent forward slightly, both hands gripping her knees. Her shoulders trembled.
"Ahh… ngh…"
Her breathing faltered. Her chest tightened painfully.
She squeezed her eyes shut.
"Please… forgive me… for judging you…"
Inside the metro, people sat quietly. Some stared at their phones. Some dozed off.
No one noticed.
But in that small corner—
Saori Hanazawa was breaking.
And nine years of silence were finally finding their voice.
After a while…
The metro gradually begins to slow.
Ghhrrrrr— shhhhh—
The light above the doors starts blinking.
Ding dong.
The announcement echoes through the speaker—
"Welcome to Saitama. You have arrived at Omiya Station."
Swishh—
The doors slide open.
Saori tightens her grip on her small bag and rises from her seat. Her skirt gives a soft swish as she steps forward. The moment her shoes touch the platform, a cool gust of air brushes past, lightly stirring her hair.
Behind her, the train doors close.
Swishh— thud.
And the metro glides away.
Whooooshh…
Saori stands there for a few seconds. People flow around her like a current. A blend of footsteps fills the air—
tap tap… tok tok… shuffle…
She adjusts the strap of her bag on her shoulder and walks toward the station exit.
Outside.
A low hum of traffic. A distant car horn.
A taxi approaches from the front.
Saori raises her hand.
"Excuse me—!"
The taxi drives straight past her.
Whooshh…
Her hand slowly lowers. A faint line of exhaustion touches her lips.
At that moment… a little to the side, a girl stands nearby.
They are not looking at each other directly.
The girl scrolls casually through her phone. Her thumb slides across the screen—
Swipe… swipe…
Then she stops.
An image appears.
An amusement park in the background. A Ferris wheel rising behind. In the center—Sato and Saori. Both smiling brightly.
The girl looks at the image.
Then slowly glances sideways at Saori.
Back to the image.
Back to Saori.
Back to the image again.
A soft sound escapes her lips.
"Ohh…~"
Saori feels a flicker of discomfort. Her brows draw together slightly.
Is she looking at me…? What is she doing? This feels a little strange…
The girl finally locks her phone.
Click.
Then she looks directly at Saori and says—
"Hi."
Saori offers a polite, though slightly guarded, smile.
"Hello…~"
The girl steps a little closer.
"Sato Hanazawa sent me… to pick you up."
Saori freezes.
"…Eh?"
Her eyes travel from head to toe, observing carefully.
A calm, neutral face. A faintly shy aura. Softness in the eyes.
A dusty pink—muted rose—oversized hoodie. The sleeves hang slightly loose, a front pocket visible. Comfortable fabric. Effortlessly casual.
High-waisted light blue pants. Slightly baggy with a tapered fit, cuffs folded at the ankles. Structured at the waist, yet overall relaxed. Modern street style.
A beige mini crossbody bag slung diagonally across the chest. Urban touch.
White sneakers. Clean. Slightly chunky soles. Confident, casual.
A single thought flashes through Saori's mind—
So this is Kazuya…? Kaju…? I thought… this was a girl…
The boy—or perhaps a boy who carried a softer, almost delicate presence—raises an eyebrow slightly.
"What happened? Why do you look so shocked?"
He steps a little closer as he speaks.
For a brief second, Saori's heartbeat skips.
He's… cute, too…
She quickly composes herself. Straightens her posture. Then gives a small bow.
"Yes… I'm Saori. Sato's sister."
Kaju bows politely in return.
"Welcome to Saitama."
A soft smile forms on his lips.
Saori finds herself staring at that smile. The noise around them begins to fade into the distance—
Honk… tap tap… whooshh…
Everything feels muted.
She is only looking at Kaju.
Nowhere else.
Kaju speaks casually—
"Come on. The house is nearby."
Saori nods lightly.
"Alright."
And the two of them begin walking side by side, as Saitama's morning quietly unfolds ahead of them.
---
They walk side by side along the footpath.
Cars speed past on the road—whooshh… vroomm…
Local shoppers head toward the market with eco-bags swinging from their wrists. Outside a small shop, baskets of vegetables are being arranged—thak… thuk…
An older woman argues over prices. A child presses his finger against an ice-cream freezer, refusing to move.
Saori adjusts the sleeves of her deep red sweater slightly. Her gaze drifts sideways, settling on Kaju walking beside her.
In the dusty pink hoodie, Kaju looks completely at ease. The crossbody bag bounces lightly with every step. White sneakers tap gently against the pavement—tap… tap…
Saori asks quietly—
"Where is Sato?"
Kaju keeps her eyes forward at first. Then she shifts her gaze briefly toward Saori.
"Sato's busy with something right now."
A faint smile follows.
"You can meet him in the evening."
Saori studies her for a moment… then smiles softly. A small sense of relief settles in her chest.
Ahead, a four-way crossing appears.
They stop beneath the signal pole as cars rush past.
Vroomm… vroomm…
The light turns green.
Saori speaks with a slightly eager tone—
"Come on, it's green now."
Kaju doesn't move.
She scratches the back of her head lightly.
"Sorry… I actually need to stop by the vegetable shop today… hehe.~"
Saori blinks once.
"Huh… so what? I'll come with you."
Then a small pause.
Her voice softens.
"Will you take me with you?"
Kaju's expression melts into a gentle, almost adorable smile.
"Yeah… let's go."
Naturally, she steps forward and takes Saori's wrist.
The touch isn't warm—rather, it feels unexpectedly soft… slightly cool, almost pale.
Saori's eyes immediately drop to their hands.
For a second, time seems to freeze.
The noise of traffic dulls.
Dhup… dhup…
Her heartbeat.
She remains standing there.
Kaju notices that Saori isn't moving.
She quickly lets go.
"…Sorry… I…"
Her voice lowers, shy.
Saori's expression softens.
She steps forward.
This time… she reaches out first and gently takes hold of Kaju's wrist.
The grip isn't tight… but it's deliberate.
Looking at Kaju's face, Saori smiles.
"Come on… look, it's green again."
The signal changes.
Beep… beep…
For a brief second, Kaju looks blank. Then a relieved smile spreads across her face.
"Yeah… why not."
This time, Saori gives a slight tug.
They step onto the crosswalk together. Their sneakers create a soft rhythm over the white stripes—tap… tap… tap…
A quiet thought settles deep within Saori's mind—
I won't let go this time.
Kaju looks a little surprised… but a gentle smile has already found its place on her face.
Amid the crowd of Saitama, the two of them walk inside a small, private world of their own.
Market area.
Small shops stand in neat rows. Shade cloths hang overhead, flapping in the breeze—flap… flap…
The scent of fresh vegetables lingers in the air. Voices overlap in cheerful bargaining—
"Slow down a bit, brother…"
"Hey, madam, today's fresh stuff!"
Kaju and Saori stand side by side.
Behind a worn wooden counter, the shopkeeper smiles at them, his hands moving steadily over the weighing scale—thak… thak…
Kaju places a finger against her chin, putting on a serious expression—almost as if she's on an undercover mission.
"Hmm…"
She steps forward slowly.
A crate of potatoes. She picks one up. Turns it. Inspects it carefully.
Ghurr… flip…
Then she reaches for a carrot, pressing it lightly with her thumb.
"This one's good…"
Saori watches quietly. Her cream skirt gives a soft swishh as she shifts her weight.
Kaju's attention drifts to the spinach. Fresh green leaves, tiny droplets of water still clinging to them.
She pauses.
Her eyes narrow slightly.
As if calculating something in her head.
Then she shakes her head gently.
"No…"
A thought flashes instantly through Saori's mind.
Why not spinach? It looks so fresh…
Kaju steps aside, moving toward the mushroom section.
She picks up a plastic pack.
Her expression softens.
A small, peaceful smile appears.
Tilting the pack under the light, she examines it carefully.
"Perfect…"
Then she turns to the shopkeeper.
"Uncle, please pack this mushroom… and make sure they're a little soft."
Her voice is gentle. Completely natural.
Saori's heart skips—
Flash.
A childhood kitchen.
Whenever spinach was served, Sato would make a face.
"Spinach again…?"
But mushrooms?
He would light up instantly, pulling the plate closer.
"Give that to me!"
Flash fades.
Back to the present.
Nine years have passed.
Saori… had forgotten.
But Kaju?
She didn't even need to ask.
It wasn't as if she remembered Sato's preferences.
She simply knew them.
Now Kaju stands near the spring onions, bending slightly as she selects the freshest stalks. Her pale, delicate hands move through the vegetables—rustle… rustle…
She murmurs softly to herself—
"It might rain today… Sato will probably feel like having pakoras… I should take a little extra…"
Saori looks at her face.
That calm concentration. That effortless care.
And suddenly, everything becomes clear.
Sato hadn't abandoned the family's "reputation."
Nor their luxury.
He had simply chosen someone…
who understood him more deeply than anyone else ever had.
A slow smile forms on Saori's lips. She adjusts her bag slightly higher on her shoulder.
Kaju…
She says quietly in her heart.
You truly are the best person for my brother.
Somewhere in the distance, thunder rolls.
Rumble…
And for the first time in years, a gentle sense of peace settles inside Saori's heart.
---
They walk back from the market.
Their footsteps fall in sync along the pavement—tap… tap… swishh…
After a short while, Kaju slows to a stop.
"This is it…"
Saori lifts her gaze.
In front of her stands a two-story modern Japanese-style house. The exterior is off-white, almost light cream. Clean lines. Simple architecture. Dark grey layered roof tiles shimmer faintly under the sunlight.
Two rectangular windows sit on the second floor, with small balcony-style railings below them.
A grey concrete boundary wall runs along the front. In the center, a black metal gate.
Inside the gate, neat rectangular tiles form a pathway leading straight to the main door.
To the side, a bright yellow flowering bush sways gently in the breeze—sarr… sarr…
Trimmed shrubs are arranged with careful precision. On the left, a veranda with transparent roofing—almost like a small sunroom. On the right, bamboo-style blinds add a quiet warmth.
A peaceful residential street.
Blue sky overhead.
Electric poles stretching into the distance.
Saori thinks softly—
So this… is their home…
Kaju opens the gate—click… creak…
They step inside.
Climbing two small steps, Kaju pauses and glances back at Saori.
"Come in, Saori."
Saori nods lightly.
"Yeah…"
The main door opens—khatt.
A fresh, clean scent drifts out from inside.
Kaju places her keys on the entry table—ting.
"Come on in."
Saori slips off her white sneakers, placing them neatly to the side. She leaves her bag at the entrance and follows Kaju further inside.
The interior is impeccably arranged. The floor spotless. Walls clean. Minimal decoration. Not a speck of dust in sight.
Through the hallway lies the living area.
Three sofas are arranged—one in the center, two on the sides.
Saori slowly sits on the middle sofa. Her skirt spreads slightly—swishh…
Kaju turns to her.
"You sit here. I'll make some tea for you."
Saori immediately waves her hand.
"Oh—no, no. You must be tired too. I don't need tea."
Kaju answers simply—
"I'm not tired."
She begins walking toward the kitchen.
"…It's your first time here. I'll make it."
From the kitchen comes the faint sound of utensils—
clink… shhh… tap…
Saori watches her with a soft smile.
Then her gaze lands on a photo frame.
Tokyo Tower in the background.
Sato and Kaju standing side by side, smiling naturally at the camera. Happy. Unforced.
A slight pressure tightens in Saori's chest.
He really hasn't lacked anything…
Her eyes drift toward a guitar resting on a stand near the living room wall. Almost displayed like something precious.
Just then—
Tap… tap…
Kaju returns with tea. Steam rises gently from the cup.
She places it on the table.
"Here."
Then she sits on the single sofa to the side, setting her crossbody bag on the table nearby.
Saori glances at the guitar and speaks—
"Sato doesn't know how to play the guitar…"
Kaju replies casually—
"I do. I won it from my Master… he gave me his guitar as a thank-you."
Saori looks slightly surprised.
Her eyes move to Kaju's hands.
Pale. Bright. Delicate fingers.
She can really play? It's hard to imagine…
A small laugh escapes her.
"I can't believe it."
A faint spark lights up in Kaju's eyes.
"Wait. I'll play something for you."
She stands.
Swishh…
Carefully, she lifts the guitar from its stand—like handling something fragile and precious.
Saori watches her from behind.
Beneath the pink hoodie, her shoulders are steady. Her fingers settle naturally along the guitar neck.
For a moment—
The room falls completely silent.
Only the faint flow of air moves through the room.
And inside Saori's heart… a new feeling begins to form.
Kaju returns with the guitar and sits down on the single sofa.
She settles it gently on her lap. Her fingers brush lightly against the strings.
Ting…
A soft, raw note echoes.
She adjusts a tuning peg—krr… krr…
Again.
Ting…
Another small adjustment.
One more try.
This time, the sound holds steady.
Kaju slowly closes her eyes.
The room is quiet. A faint trace of tea lingers in the air. Evening light filters softly through the window.
Her pale, delicate hands begin to move across the strings.
Tring… tring… naaa…
The melody starts to take shape.
It isn't flashy.
Not dramatic.
It feels like a lullaby.
Soft.
Deep.
Carrying a quiet ache.
Yet somehow… comforting.
Saori still holds the teacup in her hands. Steam rises faintly—sss…
But she has forgotten to drink.
Her gaze remains fixed on Kaju's fingers.
With every note, memories surface.
Her parents' faces.
Relatives' judging eyes.
"This is a mistake."
"He's ruined his life."
"It's shameful."
Saori's eyes begin to glisten.
We said Kaju was a mistake…
The music deepens.
Naaa… tring… trinnn…
"Mom and Dad said Sato had lost his way…"
Another chord.
"The relatives said it was darkness…"
Saori slowly lifts her eyes to Kaju's face.
There is no mask.
No performance.
Just closed eyes. Quiet concentration. And honesty.
But this melody isn't lying…
Something inside Saori shifts.
Breaks.
Rearranges.
What we called shame… was his peace.
What we thought was darkness… was where the light had been all along.
The final chord comes.
Kaju gently plucks one last string.
Ting...
The sound lingers in the air.
Then fades.
Silence.
But this silence feels heavy now.
Saori lowers her head slightly and whispers—
"Your music… it's just like you, Kaju. Very pretty."
A faint blush touches Kaju's cheeks. Her smile turns soft.
She carefully places the guitar back on its stand.
"Sato says… when he comes home tired… this melody takes all his exhaustion away."
Saori's heart tightens once more—
but this time, it isn't pain.
It's understanding.
And slowly, quietly—
the scene dissolves into night.
Outside, night has settled.
Inside the house, warm yellow light fills the rooms.
Then—
Ding dong.
The doorbell rings.
Kaju immediately walks toward the entrance.
The door opens—khatt.
Sato stands outside.
A little tired. Shirt sleeves folded up. A faint weight resting on his shoulders from the day.
Kaju speaks softly—
"Welcome back."
Sato extends his bag toward her.
"Kaju, take this… I'll remove my shoes."
She takes the bag without a word.
Sato sits at the entrance step and slips off his shoes—tap… thup…
He places them neatly to the side.
Then stands.
Looking at Kaju, he asks—
"You went to pick up Saori?"
"Yeah. I did. She's in the hallway."
"Okay."
The two of them walk toward the living area together.
In the living room, Saori sits on the sofa.
She glances up—
—and freezes.
For a brief moment, she sees the sixteen-year-old Sato.
The boy who left home.
Then she blinks.
Now a grown man stands before her.
Fit.
Bright.
Carrying himself with quiet confidence.
And beside him, Kaju—slightly shorter, reaching about his shoulder. Standing together, they look balanced. Natural.
A thought crosses Saori's mind—
He's grown so much… and he looks strong, too…
Sato smiles.
That same bright smile.
The exact one she remembered on the metro.
"Saori… you came."
She nods slowly.
"Yeah…"
Sato steps a little closer.
"Saori… you didn't have any trouble during the trip, right?"
His voice is simple. Genuine concern.
Her lips part slightly.
"No…"
Just that.
A thin silence stretches across the room.
The clock ticks faintly—tick… tick…
Inside Saori, a voice echoes—
How do I move forward and hug…? I was the one who said he was no longer our brother. I was the one who pushed him out of this house… out of my life…
Her eyes flicker briefly toward Kaju.
Kaju stands so close to him… she can reach out, take care of him…
Then back to Sato.
And me? I'm just a stranger now… holding onto the word "sister" as if it still belongs to me…
Kaju senses the weight hanging in the air between them.
She looks at both of them.
Then thinks—
They can't even speak freely… I need to do something.
She brightens her tone deliberately.
"Come on, it's dinner time. Sato, go freshen up."
Sato glances at her for a second.
He understands.
"Yeah… alright."
He turns and heads toward the stairs—tap… tap…
Leaving behind a silence that is no longer sharp—
but fragile.
---
Dining table.
Warm yellow light spills softly across the surface. Steam rises from the dishes—sss…
Kaju serves everything neatly. Mushroom stir-fry. Fresh vegetables. Soup.
Saori and Sato sit across from each other.
The faint sound of spoons touching plates fills the space—clink…
But no conversation.
Sato focuses on his plate. Occasionally lifts his glass of water.
Saori… keeps glancing at him. Then lowering her eyes.
Kaju watches from the side. Subtle. Observant.
They're both struggling…
Saori takes a bite.
Chews.
And freezes.
This is… really good…
She thinks quietly—
Kaju cooks well too…
Kaju catches her expression.
Leaning slightly forward, with a soft smile, she point asks—
"It's good, right?"
Saori straightens a little, faintly embarrassed.
She head up-down shake smile
"Yes… it's very good."
She takes another bite.
Sato smiles—looking directly at Kaju.
"You know, Kaju… Saori has won cooking competitions before. She's even been a judge."
Saori's spoon pauses mid-air.
Her eyes slowly lift toward Sato.
He remembered…
That day.
That achievement.
When she had won—and Sato had been the most excited of all.
A gentle ache touches her heart.
So… he didn't forget.
The air around the table shifts slightly.
Kaju's eyes widen in surprise. Her mouth was half opne
"Wait—then getting a verdict from a judge is a huge deal!"
There's genuine excitement in her voice.
Saori blushes faintly and places her spoon down.
"No… I was only a judge twice…"
Then she glances at Sato.
"…But Sato used to be really good at basketball."
Sato raises an eyebrow.
"Used to? I can still play."
He leans back slightly in his chair.
"Do you remember when we made that bet? Whoever lost had to run a full lap around the school ground on their hands?"
Saori laughs instantly.
"Yes! How could I forget?"
Kaju looks between them, curious.
"So who won?"
Sato puts on a fake serious expression.
"I won."
A small pause.
"…But when Saori had barely finished half a lap, the principal showed up."
Saori's smile widens.
Sato continues—
"The principal saw her struggling… and got mad at me instead."
Kaju tries to suppress a laugh.
"And then?"
Sato sets his spoon down—clink.
"What else? He helped Saori sit on the bench… and made me run two full laps."
"Two?!" Kaju blurts out.
"Two."
Sato adds dramatic weight to his voice.
"And do you know what Saori was doing?"
Saori leans forward, grinning.
"Go on—tell her."
Sato laughs.
"She was sitting on the bench, drinking water… and making fun of me. 'Come on, brother, run faster!'"
Saori waves her hand immediately.
"That wasn't my fault!"
"It absolutely was."
"It absolutely wasn't!"
The three of them burst into laughter.
Haha…
The silence that once hovered over the table has vanished.
Warmth spreads instead.
Kaju watches the two of them with a soft smile.
Nine years of distance—
and one shared memory has already made it feel a little smaller.
---
Night.
Guest room.
The soft bedside lamp has been turned off.
Outside the window, a faint breeze brushes past—sarr…
Saori lies on the bed, the blanket pulled up to her chest.
Her eyes are closed.
But the heaviness that once rested on her face is gone.
Today, she saw her brother smile again.
And for the first time… she feels that maybe, by tomorrow morning, she won't be a "stranger" anymore.
Just… a little more time.
Tick… tick…
The night moves quietly forward.
---
Night.
Sato and Kaju's room.
A warm yellow lamp casts a soft glow near the wardrobe. The room is neat. The bed perfectly made.
Kaju stands in front of the closet, taking out clothes to change. She looks a little tired. Her shoulders slightly lowered.
Behind her, soft footsteps approach—
tap… tap…
Sato walks in quietly. His presence calm.
Without making a sound, he places his hands gently on her shoulders.
Kaju exhales softly.
"Now what…?"
Sato turns her toward him with an easy motion. Then, without saying anything, he pulls her into a hug.
Her face rests against his chest.
He lowers his chin onto her shoulder.
"Thank you, Kaju… you handled everything today."
His voice is soft. Sincere.
Kaju smiles. Her hands move to his back, lightly patting—
tap… tap…
"You two just needed a little push," she says with a quiet laugh.
Sato slowly loosens the hug.
Then he lifts his hand to her jaw, tilting her face gently upward.
Their breaths mingle.
A brief pause.
He leans in.
Their lips meet.
Soft at first.
Then deeper.
mhm…
Kaju lightly grips the fabric of his shirt.
The room fills only with the sound of their breathing.
After a moment, they part.
Foreheads resting together.
They look into each other's eyes and smile.
No words needed.
---
Morning.
Guest room.
Sunlight filters through the curtains.
Saori's eyes slowly open.
She stares at the ceiling.
Blink.
Blink.
Last night's memories feel fresh in her mind.
She sits up at the edge of the bed.
"Haaah…"
A small yawn escapes.
She stretches both arms upward—
stretchh…
---
In the other room—
Sato and Kaju are asleep in the same bed.
Sato lies slightly curled to one side. Kaju rests close to him, her face pressed near his chest. One of her hands rests lightly against his shirt.
The room is quiet.
Sato's eyes slowly open.
He looks down.
Kaju's face is peaceful. Completely relaxed. Morning light paints her pale features in a soft glow.
A small smile forms on Sato's lips.
Without waking her—
he simply watches.
---
Morning.
At the dining table, Sato is already ready for work.
Dark suit. Neatly tied tie. Hair perfectly set. A clean, professional aura surrounds him.
Saori walks in from the hallway.
Sato looks at her and gives a small smile.
"Good morning…"
She returns it softly.
"Good morning, Sato…"
From the kitchen comes the faint sound of utensils—clink… tap…
Kaju walks in carrying a breakfast plate. Today she's dressed simply—a plain white short-sleeve T-shirt, soft fabric, relaxed fit. A white midi skirt with tiny blue floral prints flows gently around her legs, high-waisted and A-line. With every step, the skirt gives a light swishh. Clean white sneakers complete the look—minimal, effortless.
She places the plate in front of Sato.
Then looks at Saori with a smile.
"You slept well, right?"
Saori nods.
"Yeah…"
Kaju brings her breakfast as well and sets it down.
A comfortable silence settles over the table.
Sato finishes eating. Wipes his hands with a napkin. Pushes his chair back—scrr…
"I'm heading out… I'll be back by evening."
Kaju looks at him directly.
"Okay."
He walks toward the entrance.
The door opens—khatt.
Closes—thud.
—
Hallway.
Soft daylight spills in through the window.
Kaju sits on a single sofa, legs crossed, scrolling on her phone—swipe… swipe…
Saori sits on the opposite sofa. Her gaze keeps drifting toward Kaju.
The white T-shirt and floral skirt combination is simple… yet elegant. Minimal. Balanced.
Saori finally gathers her courage.
"Kaju…"
Kaju immediately looks up from her phone.
"Hmm?"
Saori grows slightly nervous.
"I-I wanted to ask… when did you and Sato first meet?"
Kaju freezes for a second.
A faint blush slowly spreads across her cheeks.
Her phone screen dims automatically—click.
Saori instantly feels she may have crossed a line.
"Sorry… that was personal. If you don't want to tell me, it's okay. Really…"
A small pause.
Kaju quickly waves her hand in the air.
"No, no! It's not like that."
She straightens slightly in her seat.
"I'm not uncomfortable… I'll tell you."
Soft daylight rests across the hallway as the moment gently shifts.
Kaju places her phone aside.
She sits a little straighter. Her fingers lightly hold the edge of her skirt.
"It was our first year of high school…"
Her voice slowly melts into the past.
—
Flashback.
The school building. Noise filling the corridor—
Haha… chatter… lockers bang…
"I didn't know Sato back then," Kaju's narration continues.
"Because of my identity… I only had five or six friends."
Classroom B.
Students sit in groups, laughing and talking. Kaju is at a corner desk. Three or four classmates speak to her casually. The rest maintain a quiet distance.
Near the door, Sato stands with his friends, laughing freely.
For a brief moment, Kaju's eyes drift toward him.
"He was in the same class… but he never noticed me."
—
Present.
Saori leans forward slightly.
"So when did he finally notice you?"
A soft nostalgia flickers in Kaju's eyes.
—
Flashback.
The school corridor.
Kaju walks carefully, a tall stack of books in her arms.
Tap… tap…
From the opposite direction, Sato and his friends come running down the hallway, joking loudly.
"Catch me if you can!"
Two boys rush past her at full speed—
Whooshh!
Sato follows behind them.
He doesn't slow down in time.
Thud!
Books fly into the air.
Pages scatter—
Flap… flap…
The moment freezes.
Kaju sits on the floor, books strewn around her. Her eyes squeezed shut.
For a second, the corridor goes quiet.
Sato stands there, stunned.
"T-are you okay? You're not hurt, right?"
He immediately bends down to her level, kneeling in front of her. His face filled with worry.
Kaju slowly opens her eyes.
And the first face she sees—
is Sato's.
Close.
Concerned.
Light streaming from behind him.
A faint blush spreads across her cheeks.
Her inner voice whispers—
Out of the entire school… I had to crash into him of all people…
---
Present.
Saori interrupts gently—
"Why were you thinking like that? Just because you bumped into Sato?"
Kaju blushes again. Her cheeks deepen in pink.
"Well… imagine you have a crush on someone… and they suddenly appear right in front of you…"
She lets out a small, awkward laugh.
"Anyone would get nervous."
A tiny pause.
"One hundred percent guarantee… their heart would start pounding."
She lightly taps her chest—
Dhup… dhup…
"And they'd either avoid eye contact… or overthink everything."
Saori smiles as she watches her.
That same nervous sparkle from high school still lives in Kaju's eyes.
And the story has only just begun.
—
Flashback continues…
The corridor.
Books still scattered across the floor.
Sato kneels in front of her.
Kaju lowers her eyes, avoiding eye contact.
"It's… it's fine…" she says softly.
She quickly begins gathering her books.
Flip… thup… shuffle…
Sato immediately helps.
"Sorry… I wasn't paying attention."
Kaju only hums faintly.
"Mm…"
They both stand.
Sato hands her the last book, smiling.
"Again… sorry."
She doesn't look at him.
"It's okay."
She slips past him and walks away.
As she moves down the corridor, her cheeks remain slightly red.
Behind her, Sato stands still, watching.
"What's her problem…? Why is she avoiding me?"
A small pause.
"…And why does that bother me?"
One of his friends walks up from behind.
"Bro, what happened? Why are you staring at Kaju like that?"
Sato straightens his tone.
"Nothing… her books fell. I was helping."
The friend pats his shoulder.
"Good guy. Come on, the team's waiting."
Sato nods.
But his mind lingers elsewhere.
—
Library.
Quiet atmosphere.
Page flip… clock tick…
Sato sits at a table, a few books open in front of him.
After a while—
The door opens, and Kaju walks in. Wired earphones in both ears. Soft music playing faintly—
sss… distant beat…
She returns a book at the counter.
Sato notices her.
But she has no idea he's there.
She takes a new book and turns around, lost in her music.
Searching for a seat, she walks straight toward his table—
and sits in the chair directly across from him.
Opens her book.
Starts reading.
Sato smiles faintly.
He lifts his hand in a small wave.
"Hi…"
He mouths it silently.
Kaju looks up.
Freezes.
Sato is sitting right in front of her.
Smiling.
Hand still mid-air.
Her inner voice panics—
Why is he here…? No—that's not the question. Run.
She begins to rise from her chair.
Sato speaks quietly—
"Wait. Don't run."
She stops immediately.
"Who's running?" she says, turning back.
"I was just… going to grab something."
Sato raises an eyebrow.
"Yeah. I can see that."
A brief silence.
He keeps looking at her.
She's beautiful…
The thought slips into his mind.
Feeling awkward, Kaju slowly sits back down.
Sato asks softly—
"Why are you scared of me?"
She hesitates.
"I thought… you'd be like the others—"
He finishes her sentence.
"—judge you?"
He leans forward slightly.
"Hmm… looks like you judged me first without really knowing me."
She shakes her head quickly.
"That's not what I meant."
He smiles gently.
"But see… I'm not offended."
In the library's silence, his calm voice carries clearly.
For a second, Kaju looks into his eyes.
No mockery.
No judgment.
Just warmth.
Sato extends his hand.
"Friends?"
She hesitates for a heartbeat.
Then nods slowly.
"Friends."
A soft smile forms on her lips.
---
Present.
Sitting in the hallway, Kaju smiles faintly.
"Sato and I started meeting in the library every day… that's where I even played the guitar for him."
Saori's expression softens. She can almost picture it clearly.
—
Flashback.
Time passes.
"Just like that… almost five months went by."
School had started to feel familiar. Library meetings. Small conversations. Shared smiles.
Then one day—
Near the basketball court corridor.
Bounce… bounce…
The distant echo of a ball hitting the floor.
Kaju was walking past the changing rooms.
Voices drifted out from inside.
The door was half open.
She slows down without thinking.
A small glance.
And what she sees—
Sato leaning back against a locker.
A girl standing very close in front of him.
Too close.
Then—
A kiss.
Sudden.
Intense.
Kaju's breath catches.
Her hands turn cold.
The girl is fully involved—lost in it.
But Sato…
His face.
Blank.
No emotion.
As if he's physically there… but somewhere else entirely.
After a moment, Sato gently places his hands on the girl's shoulders.
And slowly pushes her back.
Kaju remains outside the door.
Hidden.
Watching.
The girl's voice trembles—
"Just give me one more chance…"
Sato turns his face slightly, a hint of sadness there.
"No."
Simple.
Final.
Even so, Kaju's heart feels heavy.
Kaju deeply hurt that moment.
She walks away quietly.
Tap… tap…
—
Present.
Silence fills the hallway.
Saori's face grows still.
We were so wrong… she thinks.
They had only ever seen the surface.
Kaju speaks softly—
"I… avoided Sato for fifteen days after that."
---
Flash image.
Corridor.
Sato stands at a distance, waving his hand.
"Kaju!"
But wired earphones are in her ears.
Music loud.
She walks straight ahead.
No eye contact.
No response.
Sato's hand slowly falls back down.
—
Present.
Kaju lets out a small laugh.
"He tried talking to me every single day… and every single day, I pretended I hadn't seen him."
Saori watches her quietly.
—
Flashback continues…
Fifteen days later.
Library.
It's 5:00 p.m.
Orange sunlight pours through the windows, stretching across the tables. The library is almost empty.
Tick… tick…
Kaju sits alone at a table. A book open in front of her. Her eyes fixed on the text.
But her mind is elsewhere.
Footsteps approach.
Tap… tap…
Sato pulls out the chair across from her and sits down.
The chair scrapes lightly—scrr…
Kaju looks up.
Freezes.
Without a word, she begins to stand.
She turns to leave.
Then—
Sato gently holds her wrist.
"Please… don't avoid me."
His grip isn't tight. Just enough to stop her.
A small pause.
"Can't you listen to me just once?"
The air in the library grows heavy.
Kaju closes her eyes.
Takes a deep breath.
Then slowly turns back—
and sits down again.
Silence.
Sato looks down as he speaks.
"I… don't feel what normal people feel."
Kaju's heart tightens.
He continues.
"When someone gets close to me… I start feeling suffocated."
His head lowers further.
His voice quiet.
Like a confession.
Tears gather in Kaju's eyes.
They slowly roll down her cheeks.
Tap…
Falling onto her uniform skirt.
Her voice trembles—
"I-I'm sorry… I'm sorry…"
She understands now.
She had been hurting him by avoiding him… while he was fighting something inside himself.
Sato looks up.
Kaju's face—tear-streaked—still beautiful.
Like raindrops sliding down pale skin.
She quickly wipes her tears with her hands.
Takes a long breath.
"Haaah…"
Then she stands.
Walks around the table toward him.
Sato remains seated, watching her.
Blinking.
Confused.
Kaju stops right in front of him.
And suddenly—
Kaju sits down in his lap.
Sato freezes.
"W-what are you doing?"
She places both hands on his shoulders.
"Just… look at me."
She takes his left hand and gently places it against her back.
A thought flashes through Sato's mind—
I didn't realize… she was this delicate…
His right hand instinctively holds hers.
Their fingers interlock.
The grip isn't desperate.
It's steady.
Their heartbeats race—
Dhup… dhup…
For the first time, Sato blushes.
A faint red spreads across his cheeks.
Kaju lifts her hand to his jaw.
And slowly kisses him.
Soft.
Then deeper.
Their breaths blend.
Mhm…
Sato's hand at her back pulls her a little closer.
His other hand still holds hers firmly.
Both of them flushed.
In that quiet library evening… time stops for them.
And in that moment—
Sato doesn't feel suffocated.
He feels warmth.
—
Flashback ends.
Present.
Silence clings to the hallway.
The memory fades—
but inside Saori, a storm begins.
She lowers her head, staring at her own thighs. Tears fall without stopping.
Tap… tap… tap…
Like rain.
Her chest feels unbearably heavy.
We were so wrong…
Her breathing turns uneven.
With what face can I even ask for forgiveness…?
Across from her, Kaju sits quietly on the single sofa.
She watches Saori—
but doesn't interrupt.
This moment belongs to Saori.
Saori's shoulders begin to tremble.
Then the control breaks.
"Ahh… ngh… aah…"
Her breaths catch painfully.
She bends forward, covering her face with both hands.
And then—
She suddenly grabs Kaju's wrist.
Tight.
Like someone drowning, clinging to the only thing within reach.
Kaju remains completely still.
Just looking at her.
Saori's voice cracks—
"I… I'm not worthy of forgiveness… please… forgive me…"
She looks up.
Tears stream down her cheeks.
Eyes red.
Heavy with guilt.
The room echoes only with her broken breathing.
"Haa… haa…"
Kaju slowly places her other hand over Saori's.
Her touch is gentle.
Warm.
She leans forward slightly.
There is no anger in her eyes.
No resentment.
Only softness.
"Saori…"
Her voice is barely above a whisper.
"You never hurt me."
Saori shakes her head.
"I did… I left Sato… I judged him… I judged both of you—"
Kaju gently interrupts.
"You just didn't understand back then."
A small pause.
"It takes time to understand."
Saori's grip slowly loosens.
Kaju stands and moves to the sofa beside her.
Then, without hesitation—
She wraps her arms around Saori in a gentle hug.
At first, Saori remains stiff.
Then she completely breaks, collapsing against Kaju's shoulder.
Her tears soak into the white fabric of Kaju's T-shirt.
Tap… tap…
Kaju rubs her back in a slow, steady rhythm.
"Shhh…"
"Everything will be okay."
Between uneven breaths, Saori whispers—
"I… I just want my brother back…"
Kaju closes her eyes.
A soft smile curves on her lips.
"He was never gone."
---
Next day.
Omiya Station.
A light crowd gathers along the platform. Announcements echo through the air.
In the distance, the metro approaches.
Whooooshh… swishh…
Saori stands near the edge of the platform.
In front of her—Kaju.
Today she's wearing an oversized cream sweat t-shirt. The sleeves fall slightly long, cuffs softly gathered at the wrists. A small minimal patch rests on the chest. The fabric looks warm. Comfortable.
Black loose jogger pants. Relaxed fit. A faint drawstring visible at the waist.
White sneakers. Clean. Subtle.
Simple. Effortless.
Beside her stands Sato in a black hoodie. Casual. Calm.
A quiet silence lingers between the three of them.
Before the metro fully stops, Saori steps forward.
She takes Sato's hand.
Her grip trembles slightly.
"Sato…"
Her voice is low.
"Try… to forgive me."
A small pause.
"I'm starting to realize how wrong we were…"
Her eyes glisten again.
But this time, along with guilt, there is acceptance.
Sato looks at her.
He doesn't say anything.
He simply squeezes her hand gently.
A small answer.
Saori then turns to Kaju.
"Can I… come visit you both again?"
Kaju smiles immediately.
Without hesitation.
"Of course. Why not?"
Warm.
Natural.
Saori wipes her tears quickly.
Then she steps forward and hugs Kaju.
Kaju holds her back gently.
From the side, Sato watches.
Relief softens his eyes.
The announcement rings out—
"Doors closing."
Saori quickly steps into the metro.
Swishh—
The doors slide shut.
The doors close.
Through the glass, Sato and Kaju stand on the platform.
Kaju waves with her right hand, her smile bright and open.
Her left arm is wrapped gently around Sato's arm—an easy, natural embrace.
Sato remains calm.
But his eyes are soft.
From inside the train, Saori watches them.
She lifts her hand and waves back.
The metro begins to move.
Ghhrrrr… whooshh…
The platform slowly drifts away.
Sato and Kaju remain standing side by side until the train disappears from sight.
Then they look at each other—
and quietly begin walking together.
—
Inside the metro.
Saori stands near the window.
The city slides past outside.
Buildings… poles… sky.
This time, her face is calm.
The guilt hasn't vanished.
But alongside it—
there is something new.
A beginning.
She slowly closes her eyes.
And a faint smile forms on her lips.
After nine years—
a bond didn't end by breaking.
It ended by mending.
--- The End ---