They were both in the car, Haruki driving home through the late morning traffic.
"Haruki?" Kyouko's voice was soft.
"Hmm? Yes, Mom?" Haruki glanced at her, a pure, happy smile lighting his face before his eyes returned to the road.
"Nothing..." Kyouko smiled back.
"Really? Nothing, Mom?" Haruki narrowed his eyes playfully when they stopped at a traffic light.
"Yeah... why?" Kyouko tilted her head, her long black hair brushing her shoulder.
"Someone was supposed to treat me to lunch but forgot her wallet~" Haruki chuckled, a sly, teasing smile playing on his lips.
"Mou! It's not like I intentionally forgot!" Kyouko pouted, her full lips forming that perfect frown.
"Now I'm starving."
Kyouko let out a soft, musical laugh. "Alright, alright. I'll cook something you love once we get home, okay?"
Haruki tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at her with that cheeky, boyish grin. "Meat~"
"Okay~" Kyouko's smile was warm, genuine.
Today... I really felt happy. It's been so long since we went out together like this. After Haruki started university, the house has been so quiet. He did comes back twice a month despite being busy.
Seeing him smile like this... it reminds me of something. A memory I've carried with me all these years.
Years ago — Summer Festival, Sendai.
"Haruki!?"
"Haruki!!"
Kyouko's voice trembled as she stood amid the swirling crowd at the summer festival. Lanterns glowed above, laughter and music filling the air, but all she felt was cold dread.
Where is he? I was holding his hand just a moment ago…
She fumbled for her phone, fingers shaking as she called Satoshi.
No answer.
Mou! That dumb husband! He promised to take us to the fireworks, then dropped us off because of an "urgent call"!
Now Haruki is gone...
"Haruki!"
"Haruki, where are you!?"
Her calls were swallowed by the noise. Kyouko pushed through the crowd, her elegant summer yukata feeling suddenly heavy, the obi too tight around her waist. Minutes blurred. The festival grew louder, yet she felt utterly alone.
She wandered farther, past the food stalls and goldfish scooping stands, until she reached a quiet, dimly lit path near the edge of the grounds. Paper lanterns gave way to shadows.
Where… where am I? How did I get here?
Her legs gave way. She sank to her knees on the gravel path, the fabric of her yukata pooling around her. "Haruki... please... where are you?"
Tears spilled over, tracing warm paths down her cheeks. She hugged herself, shoulders shaking with silent sobs, feeling small and helpless.
I was so stupid!
Feeling excited because we rarely go out together.
And I forgot I was with Haruki.
Now... he's gone... I'm all alone.
She started crying, crying, crying.
Until footsteps sounded, rushing toward her.
"Mom!!!"
She looked up.
There he was. Haruki, just eleven but already tall, nearly her height, chest heaving, face flushed from running. His small haori was disheveled, hair messy under the festival headband.
"Haruki!!" She scrambled up and rushed to him, wrapping him in a desperate hug, burying her face in his shoulder.
"Where did you go, Mom!?" he gasped, breathless. "I thought you were still at the yakisoba stall! How did you end up all the way back here?"
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." she sobbed, clinging to him. "I was looking for you... I thought you were lost..."
"I told you not to wander around. You asked me to get us something to drink." Haruki sighed, his young voice carrying both frustration and concern.
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Haruki..."
Haruki's expression softened. He reached up and wiped her tears with his sleeve.
"Now stop crying, already."
"Mm..." Kyouko nodded, her lips forming a small pout.
"Let's go back. The fireworks are about to start." Haruki took her hand and held it tightly. "Don't go wandering around again, Mom."
Kyouko glanced at Haruki, now a grown man driving them home, his strong hands steady on the wheel.
And another memory rewound as she looked at the car window.
High School Festival.
Umm... where is Haruki's class?
I heard they were doing a special ikemen cafe. And Haruki was participating.
Kyouko walked and kept walking through the crowded school corridors, students rushing past in both directions.
Until she reached a building.
Umm... I think I'm lost... again.
Now... where did I come from?
"Hey there, beautiful~"
Kyouko turned and saw a group of high school boys, three of them, with dyed hair, unbuttoned uniforms, and that arrogant swagger that screamed trouble. The leader had a cigarette tucked behind his ear.
"Umm... hello?" Kyouko smiled politely, trying to mask her unease.
"You lost, beautiful?" One of the guys stepped forward, blocking her path. He leaned against the wall beside her. "How about we go somewhere so we could have some fun~" His eyes roamed over her body with obvious intent. "A pretty lady like you shouldn't be wandering alone."
Another boy smirked, crossing his arms. "Yeah, we'll show you a real good time. Better than whatever boring festival stuff you're looking for."
The third chuckled low, his gaze lingering on her chest. "You look like you could use some company. We'll take real good care of you."
Kyouko's eyes widened in panic when one man started touching her thigh. She swatted his hand away and tried to push them back, but another grabbed her wrist.
"You know I love shy girls like you," he sneered, his breath hot against her ear. "How about we go—" He was about to grope Kyouko's breast when a kick landed straight to his face, sending him flying backward.
The other two looked to see who had hit their friend and saw Haruki standing there, eyes blazing with fury. Kajima stood not too far behind, arms crossed.
"Ceh! Just because Kajima's here, don't think we're scared of you, Haruki!"
Kajima just chuckled. "Hey, baldie... it's not me you should be scared of~" He nodded toward Haruki. "But him."
Haruki moved fast, a sharp punch to the first guy's jaw, a swift kick to the second's stomach. Within seconds, all three lay groaning on the ground.
Haruki turned to Kyouko, his chest heaving with adrenaline and anger. "I told you not to wander around!" he hissed. "Didn't I tell you to call when you arrived at the gate? Lucky Kajima said he saw you wandering around."
"Now let's go!" Haruki grabbed Kyouko's hand while Kajima and the others just smirked.
"Don't worry, Haruki... me and the others will handle it from here."
"Thanks, Kajima... I owe you one."
"Don't mention it, buddy."
Kyouko looked at Haruki, who was already taller than her, his shoulders broader, his grip firm but gentle.
"Thank you, Haruki."
"Next time, don't go wandering around, Mom. What if I came late?" Haruki glanced at her with a glare.
"I'm sorry."
"Yeah... you should be, Mom!"
( End Of Chapter )