Even so, we are living in the present

Chapter 29 – Behaving in Perfect Harmony

A month has passed since the abduction and rap*ng incident of Tomoya. During homeroom period in the morning, the voice of the teacher in charge was the only sound echoing throughout the classroom.

For the past week, the topic of conversation in homeroom was that it was time to start thinking about plans for the gymnastic festival. Kyosuke and his friends had been informed that Tomoya would be absent under the nominal of “long-term illness.

Any concerns about Tomoya’s condition were gradually fading away.

“… Ill-health, huh?”

Would that be the reason he would take a month off? Kyosuke muttered as he gazed out the window propped up on his cheekbones. From the day he picked up Tomoya’s bag, it was evident from Natsume’s words and actions that Tomoya had been implicated in some sort of incident.

However, he had no intention of divulging this to anyone. Everybody has circumstances that they prefer kept confidential.

In fact, since the report was lodged as a case of ill health, there ought to be an appropriate reason for refusing the disclosure of the situation.

“… Kyosuke.”

Seated next to him, Yuu called out his name in a low tone of voice. When he looked at him, he beckoned in a small voice as if to say, “Come here”.

“Hmm?”

When he leaned in close and listened, a private conversation followed.

“Do you want to stop by on the way home?”

His abrupt questioning was always the same. Naturally, Kyosuke responded with a question mark.

“Where?”

“Saiki’s house.”

The answer was immediate.

“… Why?”

“Just sort of.”

“Sort of huh?”

The private conversation concluded without any specific content.

Even if I went there, I have no information about Saiki’s house.

Therefore, Yuu’s suggestion did not take place immediately because of the fundamental issue.

─​───────

In a different place, this was the special emergency facility.

When Tomoya got out of bed, the curtains of his private room were open and he had recovered well enough to be able to view the outside. Beyond the window, the cemetery where Akira and Natsume had shared a few words earlier unfolded.

The sunlight reflected upon the polished black gravestones, creating a very luminous feeling. Although Tomoya still had difficulty interacting with others and continued to act and behave in a childish manner, things had calmed down considerably. Of course, Natsume, perched on the edge of the bed, watched over him.

“…”

Natsume stood up and walked over to Tomoya, who was gazing outside.

“What’s wrong? Do you want to go outside?”

He had asked the same question before, but was too terrified to shake his head.

“…”

“What do you think…?”

Natsume asked the other person, who remained silent, for a response in a reserved manner.

“… Yes.”

After a moment of silence, he gave a small nod. For the first time in a long time, the other party wanted to go outside.

“! Well, do you want to step out for a bit?”

“Yes.”

While he wasn’t quite in high spirits, Natsume could not contain his indescribable joy at the sight of his younger brother, who was now capable of wearing a happy, awkward smile. Desperately suppressing his enthusiasm, he softly shook the other’s hand and slowly left the private room. Once outside, Tomoya rolled his eyes at the spread out tombstones.

“… Are these all graves?”

When questioned, unable to conceal his astonishment, Natsume looked at the other and nodded gleefully.

“Yeah.”

“I see… but it’s beautiful.”

Each tombstone was spotlessly polished, and the flowers and water that were placed alongside them were so pure and moist. The view in front of him brought an honest emotion out of Tomoya’s mouth. Hearing this, Natsume also expressed his true feelings.

“Though Tomoya’s smile is more beautiful.”

“… Brother.”

Being suddenly complimented, Tomoya blushed and stared at Natsume in embarrassment. However, Natsume only laughed pleasantly and showed no remorse.

“Kuhaha, no matter how angry you are, you’re still my cute, sweet little brother.”

“Don’t make fun of me! Big brother, you idiot!”

“!”

Instantly, Natsume’s previous smile disappeared and his eyes widened, staring at the other with his amazement intact.

“…?”

Tomoya stared back at Natsume curiously.

“Big brother, what’s wrong?”

“… Tomoya, you…”

Although he was questioned, he simply mumbled the other’s name as if he wanted to say something, yet no further words were forthcoming, and instead, he embraced him intensely.

“You’re back…”

His words, which were muttered in a trembling voice as if he was gnawing on them, reached Tomoya’s ears firmly.

“… ‘Back’?”

Releasing gently the person whose questions never ended, he tenderly placed his hand on his cheek and brought his forehead together with his hand. While staring at him at close range, Natsume raised his eyebrows and the corners of his mouth faintly, trying to restrain his tears.

“I see you can now address me as ‘big brother’.”

“… Ah…”

When Tomoya realized that he had unconsciously shifted the way he referred to the other person, a gulp of air caught his breath. Natsume nodded repeatedly, unable to refrain from shedding tears and wetting the corners of his eyes, affectionately caressing the other’s hair.

“Tomoya… I will never separate from you. It’s fine to take your time and move forward. I will work hard together with you.”

At those words, Tomoya’s lips curved into a smile and he nodded with tears in his eyes.

“Yeah, I’ll do my best so that I can attend school.”

They nodded to each other as if pledging, and hugged each other again.

“I’m sorry for worrying you, big brother… I… I love you, big brother.”

“Thanks for coming back. I love you too, Tomoya.”

Even though the confession was delivered with a bit of embarrassment, there was no mutual bashfulness. From either side, they slowly drew their faces closer to each other.

“…”

“…”

Their overlapping lips were very warm. As if to congratulate them, the soft sunlight was streaming down on them.