A Confusing Choice
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The night breeze of Tokyo drifted gently through Kaito's window, carrying a sense of tranquility as if trying to soothe the doubts consuming his mind. Outside, the city appeared peaceful, yet within his heart, emotions raged like an unrelenting storm. He gazed at the night sky filled with stars, searching for answers among the shimmering lights.
Kaito had always felt trapped in a world full of expectations—from his wealthy family to his responsibilities as an older brother, someone Hina could always rely on. Hina, his cheerful younger sister, who depended on him more than she realized, never truly understood the weight he carried. Yet, Kaito could never ignore that feeling. He knew, despite Hina's seemingly spoiled and attention-seeking nature, she was irreplaceable to him.
But on the other hand, there was Misaki—the girl who reminded him of his childhood, back when life was simple. They once shared stories, dreams, and hopes under the same sky. However, their lives had changed. The awkward and lonely Kaito had become someone bound by the role his family had laid out for him. Meanwhile, Misaki, with her pure heart, stirred feelings within him that he couldn't quite explain.
Kaito took a deep breath, trying to calm his thoughts. Sometimes, he felt like his life was dictated by others—by social status, his family, and never-ending expectations. But when he looked at Misaki, he sensed something different. Something that felt natural, something that reminded him of a part of himself he had long forgotten.
---
That day, after class, Misaki walked out of school with sluggish steps. Her mind was still clouded with emotions. After meeting Kaito under the cherry blossom tree a few days ago, long-buried feelings resurfaced, stirring emotions she could no longer control. It was as if they had become children again, oblivious to the world around them.
But reality had changed. Misaki knew Kaito could not ignore his family's status, and she knew she was not part of that world. Yet, the memories of their childhood—the laughter and moments they shared—remained unforgettable. Kaito had once been so close to her, and now, after all this time, those feelings had returned with overwhelming intensity.
She stepped into the school garden, the place where they used to meet. But this time, her steps were heavy with uncertainty. That was when she saw Kaito sitting on a bench, his eyes fixed on the cherry blossoms beginning to bloom, as if they symbolized the memories growing once again inside him.
Misaki halted, feeling trapped in an unexpected moment. Kaito lifted his gaze and noticed her presence. A faint smile formed on his lips, though his eyes held a hint of tension.
"Misaki..." Kaito said, his voice low and filled with unspoken emotions.
Misaki simply nodded, her eyes filled with questions and hope. "Kaito, there's something I want to talk about," she said, her voice slightly trembling. "About us, about what happened after all these years."
Kaito nodded slowly, understanding the weight of her words. "I... I know," he replied, his eyes locked onto hers. "I feel like there's so much that needs to be said, Misaki. I want you to know that things aren't that simple. There are many things tying me down, many reasons why making a decision is difficult."
Misaki's heart ached at his words. "Kaito, I'm not asking for much. I just want to know if we still have those memories—the ones we once shared."
Kaito let out a deep sigh, lowering his head as if searching for the right words. "I can't give you a clear answer, Misaki. I'm caught between two worlds—my family's world, my responsibilities, and these confusing feelings inside me."
Misaki looked at him deeply, trying to understand. She could see his sincerity, but at the same time, she saw the barriers keeping them apart. "I don't want to pressure you, Kaito," Misaki said softly. "I just want to know that we haven't forgotten those memories."
Kaito fell silent, unsure of how to respond. Deep inside, he knew their feelings would never disappear. Their childhood memories were some of the most precious moments in his life. But at the same time, he couldn't ignore his responsibilities to Hina and his family.
Just then, Hina, who had been searching for Kaito with a worried expression, suddenly appeared from behind the tree, her usual cheerful yet slightly forced smile on her lips. "Kaito, what's going on? I've been waiting for you," she said in a sweet voice, walking toward them.
Misaki, feeling more conflicted than ever, glanced at Hina and then back at Kaito. She realized that her feelings could never compare to the bond Kaito had with Hina. Kaito was an irreplaceable part of Hina's life, and that was a reality she had to accept.
Kaito looked at Misaki with an apologetic expression. "Misaki, I... I have to go now," he said softly, turning to follow Hina. "I'll talk to you again later."
Misaki only nodded, even though her heart was breaking. She knew, at that moment, she had to let go of those memories—the memories of the Kaito she once knew. Their worlds were too different now, and even though her heart screamed to be with Kaito, she knew not everything could return to the way it once was.
---
That night, Misaki sat by her window, staring at the dark Tokyo sky. The city was shrouded in night, but her heart felt even darker. Kaito had chosen his path, and it was not the same as hers. Yet, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't erase those feelings—the ones that had always remained inside her, hidden beneath time and circumstance.
Meanwhile, Kaito sat in his room, gazing at the framed photos of his family hanging on the wall. His heart was filled with confusion. Hina, who had always been by his side, and Misaki, who had reignited the memories he thought were lost. He knew he had to make a choice, but it would never be an easy one. His heart and his responsibilities clashed, leaving him with no clear answer.
No matter what, their world would never be the same again.