Chapter 10
It was like any other night at the Kage estate except for the fact that Takumi had been suspended, and new tensions between him and his parents were brewing. They all sat at the dinner table, trying to maintain the image of a family enjoying a meal.
"Takumi, how's your hand healing?" my father asked.
Takumi didn't look up from his plate, shoveling food into his mouth. His portion was noticeably larger than the rest. He took a gulp of water before answering.
"It's healing fine." His voice cracked slightly.
Fuck puberty, Takumi thought to himself, cringing at how his voice betrayed him.
"That's good." Tatsumi's response was supportive of the answer but there was disappointment in his tone.
The tension at the table was palpable. The heads of the Kage household were constantly worried about Takumi's development. To them, he seemed violent, volatile, aloof, like a completely different person. Every time they tried to address the issue, he brushed it off. Lately, he had been distant, his emotions tangled in ways even he couldn't fully grasp. His circumstances had left him with a short fuse, and it showed.
"Good, you're both insufferable," Aiko groaned. "Takumi, look what you've done. Because you went psycho trying to destroy your hand, I can't even enjoy my meal without suffocating under all this tension. So just make up already, okay?" She finished her semi-real, mostly sarcastic rant.
"It's not your brother's fault, Aiko," their mother interjected, her voice firm.
"I'm joining Border, and I need you guys to sign for permission," Takumi cut in abruptly.
The table fell silent.
Takumi had just declared his intent to join Border, the same organization that fought against Neighbors, the same one that had taken him away from them once before.
"...What?" their mother finally spoke, confusion lacing her words.
"I'm joining Border. I need both of your signatures," Takumi repeated, his tone unwavering.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Why do you think we'd ever let you be a child soldier?!" my mother snapped, her voice sharp with disbelief.
Takumi clenched his jaw. He expected pushback, but hearing it still made his blood boil.
"Because it's my choice," he said, his resolve ironclad.
A hollow, singular chuckle escaped Mrs. Kage's lips. "You can't be serious." Her mouth hung open in shock.
"I am." Simple. Unyielding.
Takumi's grip on his fork tightened. "I can handle myself."
"No, you can't," Tatsumi interjected, his fists clenched at his sides as if physically restraining his frustration. "Takumi, do you even understand what you're asking of us? Hmm?" His voice was sharp, cutting. "You want your parents, the people who watched you nearly die to sign off on sending you back to the same battlefield? You think that's a joke? Because to me, it sounds like the worst, most unfunny comedy special imaginable."
Takumi's fingers twitched against his fork. He could feel the tension rolling off his father in waves, the anger or what felt like anger to Takumi. To his father he was simply worried and that worries was turning into frustration. There was a barely restrained edge beneath his words. But Takumi wasn't going to back down.
"I'm not asking for permission. I'm telling you what I'm going to do."
His mother's expression darkened, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Takumi—"
"I need to do this," he interrupted, his voice low but firm. "Sitting here, doing nothing, pretending like I can just go back to normal, it's killing me. You don't get it. You never get it. I have to do this."
His father exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples as if trying to keep himself from yelling.
"And what happens when you don't come back this time, Takumi?" Aiko's voice cut through the silence, her arms crossed. She wasn't yelling, but the weight in her tone made Takumi's stomach twist. "What happens when Border sends you on a mission you can't handle? When you push yourself too far and there's no one there to save you? When have to see are child in a fucking bodybag. Takumi why are you acting like we're the bad guys because we want you safe."
Takumi's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
His mother stepped closer, placing a hand on his uninjured arm. Her touch was gentle, but her eyes were filled with something heavy.
fear, sadness, love.
"Takumi," she said softly, "we already almost lost you once. You think we're just going to sit back and let it happen again?"
Takumi swallowed hard. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to look his mother in the eyes.
"I'm not weak," he whispered. "I won't let that happen again."
She exhaled slowly, her expression unreadable. Then, with a deep breath, she pulled her hand away.
"Then I guess we're at an impasse. Because the answer is no" the mother strong in her stance against her son.
Silence settled over the room, heavy and suffocating.
Takumi looked at each of them. his father's frustration, his mother's sorrow, his sister's quiet anger. He had expected resistance. He had expected yelling. But somehow, this, this silent, soft resistance felt worse. Even worse, they had every right to feel how they felt.
He hated that more so then the resistance itself.
But
"This conversation isn't done until I get your signatures," I muttered.
"It is. Once you're done, you can go to your room," my mother said, firm and unwavering.
"No," I responded, causing the tension in the room to thicken, heavy and suffocating.
My father's eyes narrowed. "Takumi—"
"No!" I repeated, louder this time, my voice carrying the weight of everything I refused to swallow down. "You're not listening to me. You never do."
"We are listening," my mother insisted. "You just don't like what we're saying."
I scoffed. "Because you're treating me like I'm some fragile kid who can't make his own decisions."
Aiko groaned, pushing her chair back. "Because you're acting like one."
I snapped my head toward her, glaring. "What the hell does that mean?"
She threw up her hands. "It means you're being stubborn and reckless! You don't think, you just react. And now you want to run off to Border like that's gonna fix everything? It won't, Takumi. It's just going to get you killed."
My chest tightened. I could feel the frustration clawing at my ribs, twisting with something I refused to name. "I'm not going to die."
Aiko let out a humorless laugh. "You say that like you didn't almost get yourself killed the last time."
I grit my teeth. "And I came back stronger."
"No," my mother interjected, her voice quieter but no less firm. "You came back hurt. And instead of healing, you're trying to throw yourself back into the fire."
My father sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Takumi, we're not signing. And that's final."
Final.
Takumi scoffed, pushing his chair back as he stood. His movements were sharp, clipped, as if staying at the table a moment longer would be unbearable.
"I was asking out of courtesy," he muttered, his voice edged with frustration. Those were his final words before he turned on his heel and strode away, leaving the air at the dinner table thick with tension.
Shoko let out a slow, exhausted sigh, her shoulders slumping the moment Takumi was out of sight. The weight of the evening settled over her like an invisible shroud, pressing down on her bones.
"Mom… what's going on with Yuyu?" Miya's voice was small, hesitant. so unlike the bright, boisterous girl she usually was. She sat unusually still, hands curled in her lap, her wide eyes searching her mother's face for answers.
" I don't know baby… I don't know" Miyu mother muttered.
(x)
Shoko
It had been a long, exhausting week since our conversation with Takumi. He had always been difficult to understand on his best days, an enigma wrapped in quiet defiance on his worst. But now, he felt even more distant, slipping further away like a shadow retreating beyond our reach.
He no longer joined us for dinner, barely left his room, and spoke only when necessary. If he wasn't exercising, he was eating or resting, locked in a cycle that felt both routine and isolating.
At first, I thought it might be depression, but the signs didn't quite fit. He was eating more than ever, in fact he's deliberately filling out his frame. His room was spotless, cleaner than before. He wasn't sluggish or neglectful if anything, he was more disciplined. Whatever he was going through, it wasn't apathy. It was something else.
"Honey, you ready? We're gonna be late," my husband's voice called from the other room, pulling me from my thoughts.
Tonight was special, our first date night in months.
I took one last look in the mirror. Dark purple lipstick painted my lips, a bold contrast to the soft makeup adorning my face. My deep violet eyeliner framed my dark gray eyes, adding an extra touch of elegance.
With a final breath, I turned away and stepped out of the room, my heels clicking against the wooden floor. As I walked down the hallway, I spotted my husband standing near the staircase, dressed sharply in black slacks and a dark gray cardigan over a deep purple button-up. His usually unruly blonde hair was slicked back, though one rebellious strand had slipped free, framing his face in a way that made my heart skip.
Our eyes met, and in that instant, memories flooded my mind the quiet moments, the laughter, the love that felt like home. His gaze softened, lighting up as he took me in.
I knew why.
The deep purple crop-top draped elegantly over my frame, delicate jewelry catching the light with every movement. My leather jeans hugged my curves just right, hinting at my shape while leaving much to the imagination. Four-inch heels added an extra sway to my step, making me feel powerful.
"You look stunning as always," my husband murmured, his voice low and appreciative.
I basked in his compliment, stepping closer until there was barely any space between us. Tilting my chin up, I pressed my lips against his in a lingering kiss.
"Days like this remind me why you're such eye candy," I teased, my voice dripping with playful seduction.
He let out a quiet chuckle. "And here I thought I was just a trophy husband."
"If all you had going for you was your looks, we wouldn't have made it this far." I smirked, sinking into his embrace as his arms tightened around me.
"I guess not," he mused, amusement dancing in his tone.
"Why are you guys kissing? That's disgusting."
I turned to see our eldest daughter watching with exaggerated disgust. Beside her, our youngest stood silently, her expression more curious than annoyed.
"We're leaving," I said, ignoring her dramatics. "There are leftovers in the fridge. Make sure Miyu is in bed by 8:30, and you, by 10. I'll call to check, okay?"
She rolled her eyes but nodded, already used to the routine.
A pang of sadness settled in my chest. Takumi wasn't here. Again.
I sighed, shaking off the weight of his absence as we left for our dinner reservation. The quiet hum of the car engine filled the space between us, interrupted only by playful teasing and lingering glances that sent warmth through my chest.
The restaurant welcomed us with warm lighting and the faint murmur of conversation. Hand in hand, we checked in with the host and were soon led to our seats. I let out a slow breath, allowing myself to sink into the moment.
"What drinks can I get you two?" the waiter asked with a polite smile.
"A water would be nice," my husband answered easily.
I opted for a glass of wine. Lord knows I needed it.
As the waiter walked away, my husband leaned in slightly, his gaze warm and curious. "So, how's the business going lately?"
"It's been good," I said, absently swirling my napkin. "I've been thinking about opening another store in the southwest area, but I might hold off. We just closed on the new little housing complex with six unit in a good area couldn't pass it up. and I don't want to move more funds unless necessary."
He nodded in understanding.
The waiter returned with our drinks, took our food order, and left us to our conversation. For the first time in a while, I let myself relax. We laughed, teased, and enjoyed each other's company, the stress of the week slowly melting away.
But one thought lingered, souring my mood.
Takumi.
"Tough week," my husband said knowingly.
A sigh escaped me. "I know tonight is supposed to be about us, but I can't stop thinking about him. What the hell is wrong with our son?"
My husband let out a dry chuckle. "Same. I keep wondering, are we screwing up? Did we do something wrong? It's like… everything that made Takumi who he was is just gone. It's like dealing with a completely different person."
"Exactly. And when has Takumi ever been violent?" I protested. "He's so focused on working out, pushing himself harder than ever."
Then, suddenly, it hit me.
"Do you think Takumi hates his body?"
The words trembled in my mouth, not wanting to believe them. But when I looked at my husband, his expression told me he hadn't considered it either.
"That… I didn't think about it like that," he admitted, his brows knitting together.
Neither of us spoke for a moment, both lost in thought. If that was the case, then this was bigger than we realized.
" Do you remember when that neighbor attack the park next the hospiltal?" My husband ask.
" Yeah at cherry park, he he almost die again." I said with a sigh exscaping my lips. " doesn't the boy wish for an early grave." I uttered an dry joke. Which I guess my partner didn't find that funny at all consider he continued on like it was a statement.
" Yeah, but wasn't after that incident that he started working out." My husband reveal. Now that I think about.
"Yeah." I sasdi dryly.
" Do you then almost dying twice to the moster is causing him to want to join bored." I quickly followed with my new revelation. Letting the words breath, the realization on what our son could be going through dampened the mood.
My husband just sighed calling for the waiter to also get him a glass of wine. Which arrive promptly and h took a big swig.
" god were horrible parent." A dry chuckle releases from his lips. He was never able to hold his liquor.
" No, were just learning." I said to chere him up.
" But therapy." I Said.
"Therapy." He agreed.
We toasted and enjoyed the rested of the night, Takumi problem was for another day.
Not tonigiht, Like I promise tonight was about us.
(X)
Aiko.
"Nothing beats a hot, steamy shower," I muttered, stepping into my room. I shut the door behind me, tossing my phone onto the dresser as I grabbed some clothes to change into. My skin was still warm from the water, my hair damp against my shoulders.
"Stooooop, Aiko! You're gonna make me take another one," Gigi groaned from my phone's speaker.
I laughed, shaking my head. "How is that my fault?"
There was a pause before her tone shifted. "So… I heard you got invited to the Hisakabe training camp."
My smile faltered. Just a little.
"Yeah…" I hesitated, rubbing the back of my neck. "Who told you?"
"Some of the guys heard you near Coach's office when he gave you the news."
"Wow. Guys really love gossip, huh?" I said, rolling my eyes.
"Duh," she shot back.
She went quiet for a second, then asked, "You don't sound excited."
Of course she noticed. Gigi was annoyingly good at reading me. Freakishly good. Damn her emotional intelligence.
"It's not that I'm not excited, it's just…" I trailed off, exhaling a slow sigh.
"It's just that Ryuuki's gonna be there." I groaned, flopping onto my bed. "And just—ugh."
"Take your time." Her voice was soft, patient.
I stared at the ceiling. "She's just… existing. Being perfect. God, I hate geniuses." Another sigh slipped out.
"Aiko, that's just jealousy" Gigi started, but then she cut herself off. I heard muffled voices in the background. "Ugh, hold on. My dad wants me to clean up the mess my dog made downstairs. I'll call you later, okay?"
And just like that, I was left alone with my thoughts.
Ryuuki. Ms. Perfect herself.
My so-called self-proclaimed rival. I had always been talented, always ahead of my peers but around her, I felt painfully, impossibly average. She was the mountain I couldn't scale, the shadow always looming over me.
A knock at my door pulled me from my thoughts.
I sat up to find my younger sister standing there, holding up a DVD case with hopeful eyes.
"Can you watch Frozen with me? Please?" Making a face only a child could make.
I look at the time, which she had 24 minute until bedtime. Was this a trick to say up longer I thought. But I just shrug my shoulder and said sure. I need a little distraction.
"I'll get the popcorn, go set up the movie," I called over my shoulder as Miyu practically bounced in excitement.
"Make extra this time!" she chirped before darting off toward the living room.
I chuckled to myself and shook my head, making my way into the kitchen. The house felt quiet. Not the peaceful kind, but the hollow kind. Even with three of us under this roof, it always felt emptier when Takumi holed himself up in his room.
As I stepped up to the sink, I spotted my dish and Miyu's sitting in the sink, waiting to be washed. But Takumi's plate was nowhere to be seen. I frowned. He was now eating in his room, but usually, he at least brought his dishes down, eventually. Lately, though, he barely left that room at all.
Something felt off.
I tossed a bag of popcorn into the microwave, tapping my fingers against the counter as I waited. My mind kept circling back to Takumi. Was he asleep? Zoning out? Just being his usual stubborn self?
The microwave beeped. I grabbed the bag, shaking it as I made my way back upstairs. Instead of heading straight for the living room, I turned down the hall and up the stairs, stopping in front of his door.
I knocked, firm but not too loud. "Takumi?"
No answer.
I knocked again, slower this time.
A muffled, sharp "What?!" burst through the door, his voice strained.
I frowned at the tone. "What's with the attitude, gremlin? I was just gonna ask if you want me to take your dish down."
Silence. Then a low, guttural groan.
My irritation vanished, replaced by a creeping sense of worry. "Takumi?" I called again, but he didn't answer.
Something wasn't right.
Without thinking, I pushed the door open.
The sight that met me made my stomach drop.
Takumi was slumped against the wall, his legs stretched out in front of him. His thighs twitched, the muscles spasming beneath his skin in unnatural waves, like something slithering underneath. His jaw was clenched tight, hands gripping his pants as if trying to will the pain away.
I rushed over, crouching beside him. "Takumi, what the hell—"
"It's just a cramp," he ground out through gritted teeth. "I'll get over it."
"Yeah, sure," I muttered, already recognizing this for what it was. This wasn't just a simple cramp. I'd seen him push himself too hard before, but never like this.
Frustration mixed with concern, and before I could stop myself, I smacked him lightly on the back of the head. "You idiot, you're pushing your body too hard again!"
Another tremor ran through his muscles, his breath hitching.
"Miyu!" I called out, my voice sharper than I intended.
A few seconds later, hurried footsteps pounded up the stairs. Miyu skidded to a stop at the doorway, her face twisting in alarm. "Yuyu?" Her wide eyes flicked to Takumi, and she gasped.
"Go to the garage, grab an ice pack from the freezer!" I ordered.
She nodded and bolted without hesitation.
Takumi let out a slow breath, his head tilting back against the wall. "I'm fine," he muttered.
"You're not fine." I glared at him before sighing, softening my tone. "Come on. We need to get you downstairs."
He scoffed. "What? I can't even stand—"
"Just lean on me. You need pressure on the muscle before it locks up completely."
Reluctantly, he let me hook his arm over my shoulder. His body was heavier than I expected, his weight pressing into me as I helped him up. Every step he took was stiff, his jaw clenched against the pain.
Little by little, we made our way down the stairs, each one feeling slower than the last but envenfully we made it to couch. Miyu came back quickly after I settled Takumi on the couch in the corner of our L shape counch. I put A pillow under his calf to sustain his legs in the air. After Miyu gave me the ice pack I place ontop his thighs.
" is yuyu going to be ok." I heard my little sisteer yelped. I turned surprising by her being on the brink of tears. Laughter escape my lips which turned her tear full eye into angry slits.
" That not funny Aiko!." My little sister gowled like the grimlin she was. Which just made me laugh harder echoing in the living room. But my voice was cut was she actually started crying. I quick to comfort her in my embrace. Her little body nearing mind as she held tight. "I th-though yuyu was actually hurt." She whimpered.
" no, Yuyu going to fine." I said soothing her worries. I pick her remember how was she really is with ease. I place her by Takumi letting her body sink into the couch.
" he just needs a breaks from over working yourself." I said tossing my sister the remote as she snuggled up by Takumi who want to fight the contact until I slapped him in the back of the head. Like c'mon all miyu wants to do is spend time with her brother.
" turn on frozen, the popcorn should be done." I said returning quickly with a bowl of popcorn. I let my body sink in to crunch by miyu while Takumi had some type of scowl in his face. Which I paid no mind as long as he was quiet.
The night was smooth from here on out. We enjoyed the movie. The popcorn bowl was empty, miyu was knock out on Takumi drool painting his shirt. Which guess he didn't seem to mind. A yawn escaped my lips once I turned the tv off. It was late mom and dad should get home any minute. I got out my sit to stand stretching my arms and legs hear that satisfying bone popping sound.
I could feel Takumi eyes linger on me as I went to pick up miyu. Ever cute in her slumber. " it seems you enjoy the movie." I said, a scoff escaped his lips after my statement.
"What gave you that impression?" he questions dryly.
" you could have left at anypoint and time but you chose to stay even whey miyu was knock out before half the movie was out." Smug in my response.
" I didn't want to disrupt miyu sleep." He said stone face. But I didn't believe him for a second.
" god, when did you become such a tsundre, it doesn't fit you. Just admit you enjoyed tonight instead of being cooped up in room punishment yourself disguise as training." To that I didn't wait for a response as I took miyu to her room. Placing her under her covers nice and tight she curled up into a ball trying to get comfortable.
I gave her a kiss on her forehead and shut the door quietly making my way down the hall I notice Takumi door still open with a plate with a fork on his desk. I take down the dish to the kitchen just to find Takumi doing the dish's.
"Here, I got this." I said, arriving at the sink. His hands were covered with soap dripping down from the edge of the sink to the floor. He was making a mess.
"No, it find I can handle it." Grumbles in protest but I just snatch the rag out his hand.
"Your making a mess if you wanna help, here dry them and I'll clean." I said handling him a towel. I guess he accepted since he grab it without a word. It was silence for a little while as we moved in sync. I scrub and rinse he would dry and place.
It reminded me of those time we're kids. When we finish are chores faster by working together to play those stupid retro video game. Time was different back then, I reminisced. I caught a smile in the reflection of the sink water and in that same breath watch that smile faulter.
Things were definitely different. It was quiet; once upon a time doing this would be done in a blink of an eye simply because me and Takumi would talk and bother each other making it fun. It was a sort of competition between us.
Compare to now this felt like dying embers to a once great flame of warmth that exemplified our relationship no matter how much we annoyed one another. Takumi since coming from death door has seem distant not even cold but just distant. Yuyu, the moon. So close but so out of reach.
The irony of the nick name, once because the word moon was his favorite word so he say it constantly giving him the nick name off yuyu. Now it seems like no matter how close you are you'd alway be out of reach.
crying for the moon.
Dish were complete as Takumi put his last dish away. I looked over the young man that is my brother. His hair was getting long and I could see the muscles forming on his body from his quad, to his abs, to his shoulder. He was growing.
" wait are you taller then me?" I barked. Which caught Takumi's attention. I immediately closed in on his personal space to measure our height.
He seem fluster at my close approach but regain his composure. " yeah I think by like a one inch difference." He said nonchalantly. Like he wasn't 13 just hitting puberty and me being 17 about to be a legal adult. And I realized this idiot would dwarf me in a few years.
" I would still beat your ass." I declare to my brother asserting my dominance. Which he brushed off saying he if that all I need him for he would be going up stairs.
" why do you want to join boarder?" I was taking off guard by the word I just blurted out, but I stuck with them wanting to know the answer.
" why does it matter?" He dismissed. Which only lit a fire in my stomach. What does he mean why? Cause you want go run off and play soldier after we just got you back. I gritted my teeth but I held off my irritation at his easy dismissal.
" because I wanna know why. You say it because you have to, that you need to. But why?." I said letting my irrationality fade, giving him a disarming smile. I was there at the table as him and our parents argued. I still think Takumi is still crazy for the idea let alone bring it up at dinner.
"it doesn't change anything" he scoff as if what I was asking was so insignificant that I should be embarrassed to bring it up. He turned his back making his way to the stairs and I could help but feel something tighten in my chest. My eye when form soft to sharper I snatch his hand from his side hell bent on stopping him.
" What the hell is your problem!" I shouted. The thought of Miyu waking up not even entering my mind for my sole focus on the the person infornt of me.
My eye lock with his and even thought he hid it well I saw it, the shock in his eye. I knew I had his attention, I declared in my mind.
So I continued.
" Why does it seem like everyone wants you to be a part of this family but you." My voice was subdued but the heat in them were still blazing hot. I let my word linger in the air for awhile see his reaction.
That face. That same face!
That same indifference face.
" I get that this is hard for you. I can't imagine losing everything that makes me. And we're trying, everyone is trying it seems but you." I said standing firm before my little brother. Closing the gap as I spoke stand close enough for him to feel the heat of my breath.
" why I want to know why my little brother that was almost killed by a neighbor and by the grace of god survived want to go join boarder who fight the same thing that almost killed him. Why in god green earth would I want to know that." I said in sarcastic fury. My hand tightened on Takumi hand as I continued.
" do you even hear how you sound. Do you even see the how your action are affecting everybody. Did you even think of how they feel, how I feel. Do you even understand what you're asking of them! To send you their only son to fight the very things that almost Killed him not once but twice! And even now! And all I asked was why, and your answer is to what? dismiss me. How selfish could you be! Do you know how crazy you sound, when you can't even give me an answer on why you want to even join." I said, ending my furious rant panting.
I stared at him as he stared back at me the only thing filling the void of silence being my rhythmic breathing.
" A reason. you want a reason." Takumi stated.
"Because I can't allow the being that took everything away from the live." I felt it in my spine something that left me frozen and afraid of the convict in Takumi voice.
" It's not a want it a need. Aiko." He snatch his hand out of my grip. Turning without saying another word as he left