Part 1

“Now closing, please step away from the doors for your safety.”

The electronic doors closed with a soft thud, and the acceleration he felt soon after let him know that he was well on his way.

Yuuto heaved a heavy sigh as his head leaned against the metal wall behind him. His thoughts had been running without end since a certain day at the school. In fact, it had gotten so bad that he’s been unable to sleep for the past two weeks. Even if it was only temporary, using the forty minutes he had until his arrival to work, for rest, would be a great blessing.

There were very few things he enjoyed about work, but the most positive had to be the fact that his route was much more “out-of-the-way” compared to others. He had seen how full the trains going to Yokohama could be, with pushers struggling to fit in all the passengers; the constant utterances of “Please excuse me,” and “I’m sorry” spoke volumes of how suffocating it could be.

Those people are definitely stronger than he is.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the movement of the tracks and faint whispers around him. He almost wished it wasn’t so peaceful— enjoying it now, then having to experience the drastic change that would surely come the moment he stepped into his building.

His building……. filled with coworkers who are also riding a train like this. Were the mornings of the people who disliked him exactly the same as his?

He opened his eyes and began scanning the people around him. Salarymen, career-women, a few students here and there; most seemed to occupy themselves with something. A handful of the students were reading books or writing in journals, maybe some last minute homework they had yet to accomplish?

The thought brought with it a faint smile. He remembered his days during school when he had crammed last minute for a test— or hurriedly finished an assignment that would be due that morning. It happened often during elementary and middle school; but in high school he became much more diligent, thanks to a certain someone.

It’s thanks to that diligence that he had managed to secure the work he had now. His company was in the process of negotiating a deal with a neighboring corporation that would, hopefully, expand their own business should they choose to accept the agreement. Countless hours were spent amending terms for both sides, reviewing currently existing policies, and other such frivolities.

He was tasked to review the conditions regarding the changes that would be made to his company. Should he find anything “unfavorable” he was to report it along with the revisions that he deemed appropriate and fair.

In hindsight, the reason he was chosen most likely had to due with a revision he recommended upon finding a copy of the terms and conditions. Fine print and misdirection were easy to spot for him, and the longer he read, the more frequent they became. The employees who had been working on it were fired on the spot for incompetence, with Yuuto being tasked to carry out their work alongside a small group.

And it felt awful.

It was easy to look over fine print, the majority of people do it everyday; it was never his intention to have them fired.

And he couldn’t help but think that if he hadn’t said anything….

“Do you care nothing for the people you work with? The people of this company?”

That’s what his boss had asked him. That’s what the rumor would be.

And yet, if he had never found it, the result may have been severe for his company, what else was he supposed to do? If the company suffered, everyone did. The only benefit now would be the increased revenue that would come out of the joint venture. Revenue he could use for his family. Maybe taking them on a small vacation? That would certainly be—

—wait…....revenue……? Since when…...

He sat himself upright.

………...what am I doing?

To think about something like that?

Is that why he did it? Is that why, even though he hadn’t intended for those people to be fired, he felt nothing for them?

For something so……….shallow.

He turned towards the other side of the train, where various men in suits held on to bags and briefcases. Each of them was engaged in an activity as they waited to arrive at their destination. One of them was asleep with his mouth hanging slightly agape, another— a man who seemed a bit older than the rest— was simply staring down at his watch. The rest were either on phones or reading a book.

They reminded him of the other workers on his floor. Many worked diligently, yes, but at the same time they always looked as if they had something missing.

He couldn’t help but notice that each of them looked shallow.

……………….there.

Just there.

I’m….............just like them?

Was that all he was? A salaryman to be used and fired at any given time?

A man who only thought of profit when it became convenient?

A hypocrite?

No.

No, of course that’s not true. He’s a loving husband, and a caring father.

Like them?

He was different than them. He didn’t believe in simply working for one’s whole life; after all, there’s no meaning in a life such as that. He believed in meaning— in living for someone, or something, greater than oneself. He taught—

Is such a difference a good thing? Are you actually accomplishing anything?

To barge into the front of his consciousness like that before he could finish his inner monologue, how rude.

But rude or not, he had to offer a response, because it was a valid question. One that had actually been on his mind quite recently; the one that wouldn’t let him sleep.

And after a moment of deliberation, he offered his answer.

I may not be the best— no— I know I’m not; but even so, I do everything I can and everything within my power to do right, to become better! Because that’s what it means to be a man!

A faint smile grew from this satisfactory answer until—

Your own power? Being a man? If your own strength isn’t enough, what will you do then? You know the people around you, you’ve even begun to think like them.

—it vanished.

People of the world, molded by what they can see and touch as opposed to their will— that’s what they are, because that’s what’s important. Even if you make a difference, will such differences matter? Look around you— there is no such thing as an ideal in a modern world.

You’re living proof.

The people around him…. of course he’s seen it. How could he not? People whose expressions show nothing but day-to-day monotony. Their faces, when unguarded, reflect an exhausted life. Tired eyes that held no glow. Windows with nothing behind them.

Yes…….. it wasn’t their lives, but rather, what’s in them.

Or in this case, what’s not.

There’s nothing wrong with living a mundane, peaceful life; but without a belief to carry one through the days, without something to look forward to or strive towards, without something to move them… it becomes noticeable to anyone who cared enough to look.

But not many do.

Or rather, it would be more appropriate to say that not many can; humans are lonely beings. Only those who know what it’s like to be alone can call themselves human and by then it’s almost always too late. Almost.

He couldn’t help but think that he wasn’t just talking about the people around him….he was talking about the people in his own life.

A specific person.

Heroes are often alone.

He needs to see. He must learn how to see.

“Will such differences matter?”

It had to…..because he couldn’t bring himself to believe his own words……..it had to matter.

Idealism in a pragmatic world? You’re saying this matters?

There’s more to the world than what you can see or hear or touch. The hearts of humans are weary, and they must learn that there’s more.

“I can’t let him become like me. I can’t let him follow my footsteps.”

And you will teach him? You, who believes there’s no such thing as an ideal in this world, wish to try again? I’m surprised— it would seem you truly are human.

How hypocritical.

Just then, a stray flash of light reflected from the metalwork across from him, struck his eye, returning him to the present.

Gathering his senses, he noticed the tracks had shifted East, where the rising sun bathed everything in a brilliant golden light.

Shielding his eyes, he took the opportunity to look outside. It would seem that nature also had a sense of irony.

The day was absolutely beautiful; with bright azure skies that highlighted the deep verdant forests surrounding the towns in the distance. Humans dotted the towns, buying groceries, riding bikes, enjoying their daily lives.

Has it really been a few weeks since that event already? The weather certainly showed a passage of time. In fact, if not for the calendar and the occasional still-blooming flower, it could easily be mistaken for a day in mid-June.

The clarity reminded him of that day. It was a nice, inconspicuous day.

“For your safety, please wait until the vehicle has fully stopped before exiting.”

He broke his gaze at the scenery upon hearing something unsettling.

The exit…………...already?

He quickly rose and noticed the passing scenery becoming denser with people. Yes, this was the correct stop. This is where he is supposed to be.

If he already arrived at the station; that must mean he didn’t notice himself switch trains halfway through his journey, as he’s supposed to do.

Something like that begs an important question.

He tried to remember what he had done these past few months.

Counting on his fingers, the only things he could think of were events spent with those two.

Yes. An important question.

For how much of his life had he been in such a state?

As he entered his office building, the brief glimpse of a reflection caught his attention.

Across from him, on a flat piece of metal, that image was held perfectly. Staring back at him, his own face was unguarded.

Part 2

Yuuko was confused by what was being asked of him.

“…..why ......would we do that?”

“Because it’s mine and I want it back!” screamed Hajimu. “I told him to give it to me and he still has it, are you guys coming with me or not?”

Though his first response was directed at Yuuko, Hajimu immediately turned around and spoke his second sentence to the other two children in front of him.

“Hmmm, I guess I can go but I have to leave soon, I’m playing with my big sister today.” replied a sporty looking kid, Sora.

“Sorry, I can’t, my dad is picking me up,” replied the one with glasses covering most of his face, Daisuke. “Why don’t you bring Yuuko instead?”

“I don’t want someone with a girl name! Only real men can tell him to give it back.”

“I already said it is not a girl name,” Yuuko said pouting.

“Besides,” he said turning around to meet him once more. “Real men are strong, and if doesn't give it back then I’m going to take it! I can’t do that if you’re weak!”

“Hiro doesn't like to fight…...c-can we try asking him nicely?”

At this, Sora gave a laugh.

“Yeah yeah. Have you asked him yet Hajimu?”

“I don’t want to ask him! It’s my game and I told him to give me it back soon, it’s his fault for not listening to me.”

“Maybe Yuuko is right. If you ask him he might give it back right?”

“You don’t know how deals work, I know because my dad makes deals at work! Besides, are you going to listen to weirdos with girl names now Daisuke?”

“N-NO! Night always does what he wants so…..”

“Then come with me!”

Daisuke reluctantly agreed after his insistence.

“Day is better anyway.” said a smug Sora.

“That’s not true!........cool rhyme.”

“H-Hajimu, I do not know, we might get in trouble.”

“Then don’t come,” he spouted at Yuuko. “No weirdo is going to help anyway.”

Though he was used to the comments by now, they still brought pain every time he heard them. But……..he was his friend, and friends sometimes say weird things to each other.

At least, that’s what happened in the books he read.

Yet, throughout the day, the words never stopped. In fact, the more Yuuko insisted they simply talk to the boy who owed Hajimu his game, the more painful the comments from his friend became. Hajimu’s constant replies of “Shut up” and, “You have a lame girl name” were always met with a timely “That rhymed” mentioned by Daisuke. They still hurt.

He felt tired in a way he didn’t understand. By the time school was over and they all stood together at the top of the stairs, Yuuko just wanted to go home.

But his friends…….Yuuko’s friends, were counting on him! This time, he’d help Hajimu, and he would stop saying those things to him and see how cool Yuuko really is!

This was a chance to finally be a hero!

“So where is it?”

“What are you talking about?”

Yuuko turned his gaze to the bottom of the stairs where a boy had just arrived. He was fairly tall, with light brown eyes and hair; he, and two other people, were talking to Hajimu.

“You said that I could keep it as a present.”

“No I didn’t, stop lying! I want my game back, now!”

The tall boy made a look Yuuko didn’t know how to describe. He looked…...mad? No, maybe he was annoyed. But what did he have to be annoyed for? It was his friend’s game, not his. It belonged to Hajimu.

“You’re always so selfish! You gave it to me as a present!”

“No I didn’t! It was a deal and I told you to give it back to me so I want it back now!”

“Well too bad cause I gave it to my brother as a present!”

“I don’t care about your stupid brother, give me my game tomorrow or else I’ll tell my dad to fire your dad!”

Yuuko took a few steps back from his friend. Hajimu was escalating the situation at an alarming rate, and he just said something that someone couldn’t forgive.

The entire group of boys remained in silence as the one Hajimu directed his anger towards began crying.

“See, only babies cry. It’s his fault for not giving me my stuff, don’t you think?” Hajimu asked the two boys behind him.

“I……” —— “Y-Yeah.”

They stuttered.

“Hajimu, you need to say sorry.”

“Shut up Yuuko, no I don’t. It’s his fault.”

“Father always says that a man needs to…...needs to……”

As Yuuko searched for the right thing to say, a faint whimper came from below them.

“..................back.”

“Hagh? Speak up you baby I can’t hear you!”

“I said, take it back!”

The tall boy looked up, and though Yuuko still saw tears in his eyes, he didn’t look sad or annoyed anymore. He was mad.

Is this what the opposite of happy looks like?

“I’ll take it back when you give me my game! Come on guys, let’s go.”

“Hajimu wait!” Yuuko hurriedly turned around to meet the boy. “He did not mean that, he will say sorry right now! Right Hajimu?”

Surprisingly, his friend offered no words. Instead, he looked down at the boy Yuuko didn’t know and smiled at him…...but it wasn’t a happy smile.

Yuuko didn’t know the right word for a smile that wasn’t happy.

Suddenly, the boy came running up the stairs screaming for him to say he’s sorry, to take his words back. Yuuko saw how Daisuke and Sora quickly ran up stairs, how Hajimu tried to go with them yet slipped. He saw when the two boys at the bottom of the stairs ran towards a teacher at the end of a hallway. And he saw the boy running towards Hajimu. Towards his friend.

I need…….to protect my friend!

Part 3

“Down the stairs!?” she asked as a shadow grew over her face, “Is he okay? He didn’t break anything did he?”

“Thankfully no, and what’s more, the parents aren’t pressing charges but he’s been expelled from the program. Indefinitely.”

A small shadow passed over her face as he spoke those words.

Indefinitely.

Of course something like that wouldn’t be taken so lightly, especially since school had only started a month and a half ago.

“Look, Hikari, I know that it’s a bit of a shock, but it could have been an accident. I still don't think he meant to do it.”

She stared silently at the tea she had been holding since the beginning of the conversation. Years ago, he might’ve mistaken this sign for something dangerous or possibly even ominous. Now, he can see that it was nothing of the sort. The face she was making right now, at this very moment, was nothing more than one of a mother concerned for her child.

Yuuto scratched the back of his head.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have told you all of this when you’ve only just returned from work; it’s unfair of me. I’m sorry.”

“Hm—? No, not at all dear. Thank you for telling me,” she said getting up to pour him more tea.

“If anything, I should be the one apologizing for having you pick him up. I know you’re having a rough time with work, your coworkers, your……….feelings.” she flustered as she paused to search for the proper word. Thankfully it seems Yuuto either didn’t register it or didn’t mind.

“His school is on my way back from work, and we got here a little after you did, so I can’t really say I did all that much.”

“Ufufu, always the humble one.”

It was, however, true. Yuuto and his son arrived home just as Hikari had finished donning an apron to create a quick meal. She had time to remove the little makeup she wore and change her clothes, but for the most part, the difference in time was negligible. In fact, had he not arrived for Yuuko, they would have likely arrived at the same time.

Earlier in the day, upon receiving the call from school, he made sure to call Hikari ahead of time to inform her about their request to pick him up. It didn’t seem like such a big deal at the time, perhaps something minor like missed paperwork or an out of date file. It wouldn’t be odd given the fact they are new parents, and he didn’t want to stress his wife with trivial work like that.

It was only when they exited the school and entered their home that the situation truly struck. They were greeted with an enthusiastic smile that quickly evaporated when Hikari saw Yuuko’s face; halting her greeting to run towards her child with open arms.

As she ran past him, he could smell a faint scent of flowers.

She finally loosened her grip, and with a solemn face turned to Yuuto.

“Please, tell me everything that happened.”

And so he did. Everything that the school had reported at least. He told her about how a teacher caught Yuuko pushing another student down the stairs, about how the child had suffered injuries to the head and chest, and about how the reason he did so was because that child “had to take something back”.

Yuuto was particularly worried about the fact his son hadn’t spoken a word since he arrived to see him. It wasn’t a demeaning silence, but surprisingly, one that seemed to result from shock. No, it would be much more appropriate to say guilt. His face became frozen in a position of being a few seconds away from bursting into tears; yet he never did.

And this was what worried him the most.

His child wasn’t the kind of person to withhold his feelings, let alone his tears. If that was the case, then it was possible history was repeating itself. The same thing that happened to Hikari….that same fate would happen to his son. He hoped he was just overreacting.

Dinner was simple and uncomfortably silent as they tried to get their son to tell his story, to explain his actions, to say anything at all. But he sat there staring at the floor. He was staring downward…….again.

At their behest, Yuuko retired to his room, giving a half-hearted “thank you for the meal mother,” as he left to go to bed.

At her request, Yuuto recounted the story once more while she prepared tea; and so here they were.

“What should we do?” Hikari asked, taking a seat next to her husband and holding his hand.

He looked down at the tea made by his wife; the reflection of two sharp eyes reflected back at him.

“I think I should start by apologizing. Maybe none of this would’ve happened if I—”

The sensation of having his hand squeezed caused him to stop his words.

“Please don’t do that Yuuto. Please don’t think this is your fault.”

He raised his head to meet his wife’s gaze.

“You’ve always carried too much, ever since our days in high school. Whatever this is, whatever we can do to fix it, we’ll do it together—”

A soft smile bloomed as she said those next words.

“—because we’re a team.”

She was right, and he knew that, but it seemed as though only his subconscious recognized it.

Instead, he couldn’t help but return the gaze she gave him. Those eyes, colored like honey, looked weary, but not like his. They were full of something he couldn’t believe he had been a part of.

What was he looking at?

But another part of him seemed not to care. Even if he didn’t know what he was seeing, he knew that he had an obligation to see her expectations through. Whatever had happened with his son, he would do what it takes to make it right. He had an obligation not just to her, but to his son, to show him the path, and as a man he couldn’t fail.

When he completed his task of fulfilling his wife’s expectation of raising his son, and his son’s ideal of becoming a hero, he could rest.

And she was right. He wouldn’t be alone, they were together. A team.

“Y-Yuuto....”

His wife’s blushing demeanour and silk-like voice returned him to the present.

“You’ve been…..staring at me…”

It seemed he had been lost in thought responding to her words. She had that ability on him, to mesmerize, but before he could properly recompose himself, his heart responded on its own accord.

“It’s your fault.”

Hikari blinked in confusion.

“It’s your fault. I’ve been thinking about you in an apron since our child’s first day at school, and now here you are in casual clothes that show off your figure, wearing said apron, and you expect me not to stare?”

“Ara Yuuto,” she quietly flustered. “I’m flattered, but is this really the most appropriate time to compliment me?”

“I’m not done,” he said, leaning in closer. “It’s your fault I get lost like that. It’s all because you touch my heart in the way only you can, talking to me, staring at me with those lights you call eyes, telling me that it’s not my fault, that I can make it right, and that you’ll be there to help me where I’m weak.”

“Bu….you..”

“You know me better than anyone and you still choose to stay. You choose to stay even when I screw up so many times; even when I’ll continue to do so. And even then, you’ll work with me when I don’t deserve it; to help me in my weakness. That’s why you’re not just my wife, to me, you’re my best friend. You’re my best friend. My lover. My wife. So if I want to lose my train of thought in your eyes, I believe that I have a right to do so.”

He sat back in his sit after realizing he had gotten a bit too close to his wife; who at this point had one hand over her mouth in a futile attempt to cover up her blushing smile.

Yuuto backed away. “You know there was a time in school where I never could have imagined you acting this way.”

“Ara? You’re one to talk seeing as how you’re facing the wall all of a sudden.”

He didn’t notice. It seemed he too subconsciously turned away in an attempt to hide his own reddening face.

“Your best friend….” she whispered as her hands made their way to her cheeks. “But you know, it’s only because you helped me when you did that I managed to become the woman I am today..”

He gave a sigh and returned to face his wife who appeared to still have steam emanating from the top of her head.

“You were the one who was naive enough to believe in such a foolhardy person.”

Hikari let out a soft giggle as she raised her head in response to her husband.

“Are you calling our son naive?”

Yuuto felt a metaphysical punch of tremendous power strike him in the stomach, feeling his inner self get knocked out with a bell ringing in the background to signal a KO. He opened his mouth, but it was no use. No sound escaped his mouth and his brain had all but shut down. In this situation, she had him pinned.

In response, he sipped on the lukewarm tea with difficulty.

“Is believing in someone really so naive?”

He set down his drink and uncomfortably scratched the back of his head.

“…...maybe. At least when it comes to me.”

“Hmm~? So you’re calling him naive.”

“Hikari, no, it’s just...he’s a child. Of course it’s not naive to believe in someone at his age— but that’s exactly why I’m worried.”

“Because he believes in someone?”

“Yes, but it’s more than that. He wants to know the world around him, and with the wrong example to follow he can confuse what’s right for what’s wrong and believe it to be true.”

“All children are susceptible to a certain extent.”

“Not all children take it to the extent he does.”

“And that’s why we said we would do everything we can to show him. We’ll find out what’s wrong and if you wish to show him what it means to do right, I will give you my support. To turn his naivety into optimism for the future.”

To hear her say something so supportive...Yuuto was at a loss for words. That is, until he registered her saying something strange.

“H-Hold on, wait. The day we found that dog, you said that he was too young to worry about an ideal, let alone what it means. It almost sounds like you’re encouraging it now.”

She looked at him as though he said something simplistic and gave a gentle laugh. “Because you’re not throwing him at stray dogs anymore.”

“That’s….. well, maybe it wasn’t such a good idea. But even so, that can’t be everything.”

“Well, I wouldn’t say I’m encouraging an ideal, but there are a few reasons.”

She scooted her chair closer to him.

“It’s true that I believe he’s too young to understand an ideal, but that doesn't mean I don’t want him to learn what it means to do right. Learning simple things now will put him on the right path, and if he wishes to go further, to genuinely pursue an ideal in the future, then he’ll have my full support. Just like you do now.”

“I understand, but it still feels like you didn’t support it from the beginning.”

“Because you were scaring him, not teaching him.”

Though her words seemed harsh, they sounded genuine and kind leaving her lips.

“Unlike this situation, the dog wasn’t safe for either of you. I was worried, not angry. In this situation, with his school, there’s a chance for you to show him why doing what he did was wrong, whatever that reason may be. Whether he did it on purpose or by accident, I know you’ll teach him. Lastly I…... personally……. know what it feels like to believe in someone. I know the good that can come of it. And I know that feeling will help our son.”

As her words washed over him, he slowly came to understand and accept what she said. But the subtle undertone of her speech did not pass him by.

“You were anything but naive you know, not that I ever knew the difference. That’s why I still don’t understand why it was me.”

As he sat, she stifled another soft laugh and laid her head against his chest.

“Not all people believe in heroes,” she began, “but having something, someone, to believe in, can make all the difference.”

She lifted her head to meet his eyes.

“There’s a difference between being naive and being optimistic. Even if you’ve never been able to see it before, you should believe that heroes are possible. After all—”

She snuggled her head into his shoulders once more.

“—I have my very own, right here.”

A warm weight settled in his chest. It was heavy, full, and spread through his body until reaching his head, making him feel dizzy. Even the shape of the room altered slightly from how dizzy he felt. But this feeling, the feeling she gave him…...

“You’re giving me too much credit….”

“Hnnmmmm, maybe you’re just not giving yourself enough. He’s a simple child, but well-meaning. Talk to him, see what happened, and if he did wrong then you can show him the difference between what happened, and what should have been. Believe he can return from this. Maybe then, you can credit yourself just a little more.”

“Dad…..mom….”

As she finished her sentence, the voice of their son emerged from behind them. Yuuto was startled for the briefest of moments, but his wife appeared completely at ease. It was as if she had already noticed him, or perhaps, was expecting him.

“Dear, what’s wrong? It’s late. You couldn’t sleep?”

Wearing only his pajamas, he grasped the edges of the fabric in response to his mother’s words. The way he pulled it downward matched his gaze.

“Yuuko?”

It looked as though he was searching for the right thing, or anything, to say. As soon as he opened his mouth, what instead came was the sound of barely audible sobbing. Gripping his shirt tighter, his tears finally found their way down his narrow cheeks, and by the time they hit the floor, Hikari had already embraced him in a warming hug.

But Yuuko’s arms remained stiff at his side.

“Mo-mohm…..I am soh-soh-sohrry……”

“Shhh it’s okay. It’s okay.”

“But I—I got in tro-uble,” he said into her clothes, “A-And I made you ma-ahd. I am sorry.”

“Sweetheart we’re not mad. We just need to know what happened.”

She lovingly caressed the back of his head, soothing his tears and easing his pain. Yet again, despite the situation, Yuuto couldn’t help but admire how she always seemed to know exactly what to do, and do it just right. With tender care, she held him until his tears dried enough for him to speak. Yuuto had only just stood by her side when his son delicately broke out of Hikari’s embrace.

“Yuuko, you can tell your father and mother what happened.”

“I…I pushed someone down the st-stairs because they said something mean to Hajimu.”

“And why did you do that?” his father had asked, now at Yuuko’s level. But still, their son wouldn’t meet either of their eyes.

“He said something mean to him and H-Hajimu wanted to hit him. Hajimu i-is my friend. Heroes are supposed to do things for their friends...but heroes are not supposed to hurt people…..I hurt him bad...”

His eyes became misty once more. “Heroes do not get in trouble. They do not push people.”

Finally, he lifted his eyes to meet his father’s.

“I can’t be a hero anymore!”

Yuuto balled his fist.

His feeling was right after all. False, and true, guilt. Even so, he had to correct this situation.

“No Yuuko, it doesn't mean that.”

“Huh? B-But it does! Heroes don’t—”

“You can always try again right?”

“.......…………….”

“I’m going to let you in on a secret Yuuko. Sometimes, even heroes get in trouble.”

“Tha-t's .....really?”

“It’s because heroes sometimes pick the bad choice. Sometimes they don’t know what’s good and bad until it happens. But you know what they do?”

“They…...say sorr—y?”

Yuuto let out a smile. “That, and they also learn so that next time they can pick the good choice. If you learn from this, and as long as you say sorry to the person you hurt, then I’m sure you did good.”

Though his tears had not yet dried, his son looked much better. A small portion of him felt guilty for deceiving his child, but he pushed it down before fully acknowledging it.

“What about Hajimu?”

Just as his father was about to respond, Hikari took a look at the time and quietly urged Yuuto to answer his question in his room. He knew she understood it was futile to put their child to sleep at such late hours after so much commotion, but he admired her timeliness nonetheless. Entering his son’s bedroom, he placed his son on the bed before crouching down to his side to answer his question.

“Yuuko, what’s a hero to you?”

The question caught his son by surprise. Yuuko took the time to tuck his son under the blankets as he thought about his answer.

“Someone……... who does good things?”

“But everyone can do good things you know. A hero has to be more than that.”

“Dad……. what is a hero?”

“Hmmm, I guess a hero is someone intervenes where he is not needed by people who don’t want his help. The one who carries a light in him even when everything else is dark. The one that knows righteousness and fights for it. That’s why most people aren’t heroes I think.”

His son looked confused and mildly annoyed, pouting in the way that made him look exactly like his mother.

“I do not get it.”

“Well, a hero is someone who learns from the bad things he does. He does the right thing for himself and other people.”

“So….what about Hajimu?”

“If a friend isn’t doing good things, then as his friend, you need to help him be better. Don’t you think?”

“Ohhhhhhh!” The natural light from Yuuko’s golden eyes shined through. “Dad— I think I get it now!”

“Father.” he corrected as he ruffled his son’s hair. It’d be bad if Yuuko broke the habit his wife worked so hard to implement.

“Ahh, yes, I am sorry father.” he said as he pulled the blanket up to his chin. “But….. what about a hero not having friends?”

He scratched the back of his head, as though thinking of what to say.

“Yuuko, I once told you that making friends would friends would be easy if you acted good, because people like heroes. The truth is, not everybody likes heroes. Sometimes people think they’re annoying, so there are times where they stay alone. But he still has to do the right thing, even if it means hurting himself.”

“Oh,” he said looking down. “Does that mean heroes don’t have friends?”

“Remember, not at first, but with time—”

“Father!” he suddenly exclaimed. “That means that not having friends makes you a better hero right?”

“Sometimes, yes—” Yuuto said, gently closing his son’s eyelids, “—but it depends on the friend. A hero can’t be friends with a bully, for example.”

“Then father…….. if Hajimu was being mean for no reason……. does that mean he is a bully? Do I stop being friends with him?”

“It….. it could. And I don’t know son, what do you feel?”

“I do not know….. but a hero has to stop the bully right?”

“Well, the hero has to do the right thing. That’s why I told you that sometimes they’re alone. But you’ll learn more about that when you grow.” He said closing his son’s eyes.

“Hphmmmmmm.”

Laughing, he bid his child goodnight and shut the door behind him. When he did, a place in his heart knew that his almost all of his words were nothing more than echoes.

Almost.

Part 4

Yuuto was surprised by the amount of conversation around him, especially considering the fact that the workday was almost over. Normally, around this time in the evening, many would be sluggish and even a bit dreary in their movements. However, it seemed a large group of the workers in his division were enthusiastically finishing the last of their assignments and conversing with one another.

One by one, each of his colleagues packed their bags, shut off their computers, and stood at the office door while talking to others who had just done the same. Eventually, there was a group of around ten or eleven people waiting at the door for the handful of others that hadn’t yet finished.

Yuuto, of course, hadn’t the slightest clue as to what the occasion might be.

“Oi now Yuuto, what are sitting around for, you haven’t finished your work yet?”

In his chair, he turned to face the large, jovial man standing beside him. It’s hard to believe that he neither saw nor felt his own boss approach; even his own son managed to startle him last night. But then again, his mind has been extremely out of focus lately.

“No sir, I apologize. I was just finishing up.”

“Is it urgent?”

“Somewhat. I could finish it soon if—”

“Great! Then pack your things and let’s get going, everyone’s waiting for us.” He said patting him on the shoulder.

Waiting? For what? If they were waiting for his boss that would be fine, but himself?

“Waiting on what specif—”

“Yes yes, a fine night for it. Let’s get a move on now, yes?”

“Sir, I’m afraid I don't understand. Is there some sort of event?”

Hearing his words, his boss’ face shifted from glee to confusion in a matter of moments.

“You mean you haven’t heard? No, actually I suppose it makes sense that you haven’t.”

“Heard what, sir?”

“We’re having a nomikai! IF you want to know why, then get up and come with me.”

Nomikai. A celebration with his coworkers?

In that very instant, Yuuto’s mind started putting the pieces together. Realistically speaking, there could only be one likely reason for such a celebration. And he had no desire to partake.

“I’m deeply sorry sir, but I’m afraid I’m going to have to decline. I have some prior obligations that I need to attend to.”

His boss was already halfway to the door when he stopped. Even at that distance, Yuuto could visibly see his shoulders drop as he returned to Yuuto’s deskspace.

“Look Yuuto, if you really do have prior obligations then I won’t force you to go. But understand that you’re already treading on thin ice.”

He couldn’t tell if this tone was threatening, skeptical, or one of simple pity.

“You have no connection to your coworkers and have yet to take part in a single company event. This will be our last outing before we merge with Fable, and much of that is thanks to you. In fact, I would go so far as to say that your work on this project is what saved your job and prevented the consequences from your arriving late to our previous meeting.”

I had the same thought.

“Bonding with coworkers is a high priority, especially when we’re to work with new people. Considering your temperament, I say you need to learn how to communicate. I’m sorry if I sound harsh, but I only speak the truth.”

A certain memory of him telling Yuuto he was the worst flashed through his mind. More than that though, more than anything else, why would he partake in this outing? The fact he hadn’t heard about it until now spoke volumes of how much his colleagues cared about him.

It also spoke volumes of how much he cared about them.

“Sir, you know you told me the reason for our nomikai just now, right?”

He noticed a rather violent twitch in his boss’ smile. It probably didn’t help that Yuuto’s glaring eyes made him appear sarcastic.

“Yuuto. I am giving you one last opportunity. Make your decision.”

Of course, there’s almost always a difference between what one wants to do, and what one needs to do. He rose with a sigh and followed his boss to the crowd gathered in front of the office building.

* * * * *

There were positives and negatives about his first outing with his fellow coworkers. The positives were that he could finally see how his coworkers acted in an informal setting, speaking their minds with less restraint, allowing him to see more of their true selves.

The negatives were that he could finally see how his coworkers acted in an informal setting, speaking their minds with less restraint. And their true selves, along with the situation, are exactly as Yuuko had pictured it.

“Awwwww come on Yuuto, just tahke one.”

“Sorry, it’s just that it’s a long way home and I’d hate to get lost.”

“You’re ahlways *hiccup* so formal.”

“It’s….just the way I was brought up. I suppose.”

Exactly as he had pictured it.

The pub was in an alleyway close to the business districts in town. A place absolutely scintillating with all manner of lights, decorations, and advertisements as far as the eye could see. A blind man with a cane would have greater luck navigating the area than someone like Yuuto, who was directionally impaired when his primary method of navigation was taken from him.

But even in this state, once in a while he would catch sight of the buildings surrounding them. Dozens of bars, some love hotels, a few stores seen from the outside of a shopping mall that showed no signs of closing soon. None of it surprised him, but he had never stopped to see it with his own two eyes, only glancing at it from the outside, glad that he wasn’t in the middle of such a place.

This is probably what I get for thinking about such things.

At the very least he could keep to his own because no words were spoken between him and the rest of his office floor in front of him. With both hands in his pockets, he kept to the tail end of the group. The thought of leaving to catch the train crossed his mind when he lost sight of them, but he had already made it this far, and a man should see his actions through to the end!

Or rather, that’s what he kept repeating.

It took longer than expected, but he regained his bearings and quickly found his group. He knew they’d arrived when he silently turned the corner only for his senses to be struck with the smell of high grade alcohol.

Ahhh, as expected of the city.

His years of adolescence taught him how to distinguish between the many facets of liquor, and from smell alone, he could tell that this pub was expensive. It was only when he entered that he could see it was for good reason.

Not only was the interior separated into multiple rooms decorated with flowers and bonsai, but each was soundproof, a necessity given how every room could be seen with a karaoke machine. It didn’t look nearly big enough to fit all this when looking from the outside.

The menu had nothing but high grade food and drinks, with service so precise and timely that it was obvious the employees were specially trained. As each of his coworkers took a seat and ordered their drinks, Yuuto asked for a simple water and sat at the far end of the table by a middle aged woman. He couldn’t be sure, but he thought he heard a *tch* sound leave her lips.

The second that she finished her first drink, she moved to socialize with the other end of the room.

Yuuto didn’t mind. He was content to spend this time lost in his own thoughts, either fantasizing about his wife or thinking about how to help his child. It’s been a while since they’ve done something, the three of them. In merging with a new corporation, maybe he’d have more time to spend with them. After all, a father should cherish the time he has with his family.

Right. A father should love his family and raise his children correctly. He should be involved with whatever it is they’re doing. He should teach them things, and constantly improve himself to serve as inspiration to those that look up to him most. But most of all, he shouldn’t abandon them.

He tightened the grip around his water.

He definitely shouldn’t take them for granted.

It was only when his coworkers reproached him for failing to move from his seat so they could sing karaoke, that he snapped back to the present. Quickly apologizing, he moved towards the front of the room, near the door, where he would be out of everyone’s way.

He leaned against the wall, holding the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index finger. His removal from reality was beginning to be a problem. But he couldn’t help it. Not in an environment like this.

It always brought back those memories.

“Heyo, Yuugo, you look bad, ‘ave a drink won’t you?”

A slurred voice came from his right, a man that appeared to be in his late twenties; possibly even early thirties. He was shocked, at the very most, Yuuto could only be two or three years older than him.

“Ahhh, I’m sorry but I’ll have to decline. I have my water right here.”

“Awwwww come on Yuugo, just tahke one.”

He scratched the back of his head, giving off a small laugh.

“Sorry, it’s just that it’s a long way home and I’d hate to get lost.”

“You’re ahlways *hiccup* so formal.”

“It’s….just the way I was brought up. I suppose.”

The sounds of tone-deaf singing soon filled the atmosphere, but that was hardly a distraction to Yuuto who was trying to pin down where he’d seen this man before. His face and clothes were severely disheveled but his face still looked familiar.

The man plopped down inelegantly beside him.

“Congratulations on your corp deal, musta’ve been pretty hard.”

“Thank you. I just got lucky I think.”

“Ahhhhhhh, luck? Noh noh Yuuto, that wasn’t luck, that was you!” The man said scooting closer to him. “It was you, right?”

He had expected this to happen, but because everyone had been avoiding him all night he had hoped that maybe he’d be able to get away without confronting anyone, or vice versa.

“Sos it true?”

He knew exactly where this was going.

“If you’re talking about the rumor that I sabotaged the other employees working on it, than no, it isn’t true at all.”

He let out a grating laugh.

“Don’t be so modest, we all do what we can ta get ahead. Plus, everyone knows it’s true, we all saw it, right Hina?”

He pointed to the middle aged woman who sat next to Yuuto when they first entered. Rather than say anything, she only glared at him until the man next to him started talking again.

“So why’d you do it!?”

“Look, I think there’s been a misunderstanding. I didn’t frame or sabotage anyone, I—”

He stopped his words as his brain had finally made the connection to the face he was staring at.

“You were on that team. The joint Fable team with the others.”

He merely stared from behind fogged glasses.

“I didn’ work on the team, I worked with them when they needed help. It’s the reason I didn’t get fired, not that you care.”

“I’m…...sorry….to hear that. But I’m telling you the truth, I didn’t do anything. I care about what happens to the people here.”

“What a liar.”

The middle aged woman had finally broken her silent gaze.

“You don’t care about what happens to the people here. You haven’t ever done anything worthwhile, so when you got the chance to steal something important you took it!”

“That was my best friend you got fired!”

By now a few heads were starting to turn their way. It seemed the volume of their conversation had become louder than the singing.

“Well don’t just sit there, say something!”

Yuuto simply sighed. “It was a bad idea to come here after all.”

As he stood up and left his share of the payment he felt a hand grasp his shoulder.

“Where’re you goin, answer my question!”

“I didn’t steal anyone’s work, nor was it my intention to have anyone fired.” Yuuto spoke without facing the man holding him. “I saw a mistake and corrected it. I’m sorry for my intervention. I only tried to do what I thought was best for everyone and myself. I was selfish, and I’m sorry.”

Music from the karaoke machine was the only thing filling up the unbearable silence. And when minutes passed without so much as a breath from the others, Yuuto took his leave.

But the man wouldn’t let it pass so easily.

“Hey! We’re not done yet!”

Grabbing and twisting Yuuto’s arm to look at him, he didn’t have time to react when he found the situation reversed. His own arm was twisted and in sudden, flaring pain.

In those moments of pain, he looked up to see the man holding his arm and became paralyzed. They appeared frightening no matter what, but it never struck him just how terrifying Yuuto’s eyes were. Black pupils, in those brief moments, showed remnants of a life he knew absolutely nothing about.

What kind of life gave a man those sorts of eyes?

No— what kind of eyes were those in the first place? It was as if he had disturbed something that had been dormant for years.

“Yes,” Yuuto said taking a step closer. “We are.”

With a tight grip, Yuuto pushed the arm of the man back into his chest. He didn’t think that he applied much force, but as soon as he released his grip the man collapsed in a frightening display of pain. Not a second passed before a group had formed around him ensuring his safety, and in the ensuing chaos, Yuuto slipped through the door. Looking back, his eyes made contact with the man, and for a split second, a frightened smile formed on his face. A smile that let him know he wouldn’t be around to reap the benefits of the biggest deal in their company’s history.

Part 5

In hindsight, Yuuto realized that, at the very least, he should have waited until he had full control of himself before boarding the train going home. It was human nature to replay adrenaline inducing events over and over again; but as a result, his body functioned on auto-pilot again.

As he stood outside, he thought that at the very least, he was blessed with cool night air that brought his senses back to normal.

“This is fine.” He said as he took out his phone. “This is completely fine.”

The phone rang until a familiar voice was heard on the other end.

“Hey. Dear. I’m sorry but I’m going to be later than I thought…..”

“..................?”

“No no, I, uh…...left early.”

“........................”

“I kind of…..got off at the wrong station.”

“.........?”

“Yeah. It happened again…………”

“.................”

“Ahahhaha, I’ll be fine! I’ll be fine so don’t worry about me, I’ll catch the next one. It’s just that I’ll be home a little late.”

“............”

“Mhm. Tuck Yuuto into bed for me will you?”

“.............................”

“Ahaha, that’s right, he should be already. In that case, I’ll try and get home soon.”

“...................”

“Mhm. I love you too.”

“.....”

“See you soon Hikari.”

It wasn’t until his phone was completely off that he noticed how bright it was. In fact, the phone alone lit up the whole waiting area he was sitting in. But that only made sense. The sky was fairly cloudy tonight, and that allowed the unnatural lights of the city to show themselves off without restraint.

He leaned back against the wall and let out a small laugh.

Good grief…..what in the world am I going to do now….

He had mentioned to his wife that he’d be late, but he didn’t mention that there were no more trains scheduled to come through the night. He probably should’ve mentioned it, but knowing her, she would undoubtedly do something extreme to ensure his safe arrival home. It was a rather cute side of her he was familiar with, but often times her solutions were unnecessary.

Another evening breeze blew past his face, sharpening his senses and filling him with peace.

“Well, a little nighttime walk never hurt anybody.”

The statement was probably untrue; but in this case he had nothing to lose.

The area around the station wasn’t completely alien to him, but it remained very unfamiliar nonetheless. Being in an area that was halfway between an urban city and a laid back mountain town produced a strange mixture of both. Smaller buildings seem to meld with the landscape while iron and glass buildings towered just a few kilometers away. Though there were hardly any people around, the occasional person would fade in and out under street lamps.

It was, undoubtedly, a very peaceful night. A stark contrast to the events that occurred no less than an hour ago.

It almost seems like a dream now.

The events pushed themselves to the forefront of his mind again, but he couldn't spend all night thinking about it. The consequences would arrive, but he didn’t want to think about that. He had other things to attend to right now.

As he made his way into a small park, he considered his options. Realistically speaking, he could just call a taxi and be done with it. Even if they charged an obscene amount, there were probably some that were still open.

Taking out his phone once more, he was about to dial the number when a strong scent forced its way into his lungs.

Is that ...?

Smelling the air once more, he suddenly went into a coughing fit.

Tobacco? But he’s in the middle of a garden in the middle of the night.

Where in the world is it coming from?

Curiosity driving him, Yuuto followed his nose, suffering a rather violent coughing fit all the way, until he finally reached its source. Rounding a corner, he saw an elderly man sitting on a bench in front of a rather large pond.

Actually, it would be a mistake to call the man elderly. He had patches of gray on both his head and facial hair, but the majority of it was still clearly dark. Moreover, the man looked incredibly fit, with broad shoulders and a rugged face. It didn’t at all match the pensive expression he wore now.

“Birds of a feather eh?” Said the man turning to offer him a cigarette. “Have one of these. They don’t help much after a while, but it’s better than nothing.”

“Ahh, thank you very much, but I’m afraid I’ll have to decline.”

He hadn’t even finished his sentence when the man released a deep, guttural laugh. It sounded closer to hacking, even choking, but as quickly as it started, it stopped.

“The new kids are all afraid of trying something new; how ironic is that? A little tobacco never hurt anybody.”

Yuuto was fairly certain that statement wasn’t true.

“By the look of you, I’m guessing you’ve never had any before.”

He awkwardly scratched the back of his head.

“While that’s true, I would like to say that it’s not exactly because I’m afraid to try it.”

“Hmm. Then enlighten this old soul.”

“Ahhh, well I don’t mind other people, but I guess it’s because it would make me a hypocrite. If I expect my son to do right, then I should lead by example.”

Yuuto felt his words impact the man before he saw his reaction. As he finally made eye contact with Yuuto, that pensive frown became just barely replaced with a small, but approving smile.

“So you’ve a family?”

“A wife and a son sir.”

The man gestured at the empty spot next to him.

“Sit.”

Yuuto wasn’t sure why he inclined to accept the man’s invitation. By all rights he should be going home, but something about the situation called out to him. Perhaps it was his desire to take in the calm night, or to have a conversation with this man who seemed so….lost.

Maybe this was an opportunity.

Sitting next to the man, Yuuto was able to get a clearer picture of his face. Rugged with broad shoulders, yes that much was clear, but there was also more gray in his hair than he’d initially thought. An appearance somewhat older than himself. It wouldn’t be unrealistic to guess the man’s age at twenty-five or thirty years Yuuto’s senior. But that wasn’t the most remarkable thing about him.

The man next to him seemed to radiate an aura of command. Not hostile, like a dictator, but like a natural born leader. There was a shift to the air around him that Yuuto simply could not describe; as though people naturally look up to him for the answers. He seems to carry the weight of the people around him, refusing to lighten his load, instead readjusting them on his shoulders and marching on.

But it was clear that weight had begun taking its toll long ago.

It was a remarkable condition for someone that appeared to smoke regularly.

“Excuse me, sir?”

“Hmm.”

“What did you mean earlier when you said ‘By the look of you’?”

The man inhaled the last of his cigarette before putting it in a tray next to him, closing it, and returning it to his coat pocket. Did he bring that everywhere with him?

“You’re not exactly what comes to mind when someone says the word ‘man’; I mean you look as though you’ve never lifted a weight in your life.”

Yuuto tried not to take insult.

“I….. don’t see what that has to do with anything, but I did so; out of necessity.”

“And I believe you.” he said affirmatively. “I don’t say this often cause I’ve never had a need of saying it. But I was wrong about you young man.”

“About?”

“About that look in your eye. About that attitude you got. Shows your confident about what you’re talking about.”

Confident…..

“Thank you, I appreciate your praise. While I understand what you’re saying, we’ve only spoken for a minute at most and…..I don’t see how that answers my earlier question.”

The graying man leaned against the bench.

“The first thing I said to you was ‘Birds of a feather’. You know what that means I hope.”

“Of course sir.”

“You looked pessimistic. Melancholy. Pensive. But now that I got a closer look at you, that was probably just me projecting. I wasn’t really looking at you after all I suppose.”

“What?”

Yuuto hurriedly stood up and examined himself in the pond in front of him. His face was…..

Guarded.

This was only the face he wore when……...when did it change?

“When I offered you a smoke, you told me about your son; seeing your face then I knew there was no way I got it right.”

Yuuto scratched the back of his head as he once again gave a wry smile.

“Ahaha, well, I don’t think you were entirely inaccurate. Maybe I was a little down. I did most likely just get fired after all.”

The man began rubbing the stubble on his chin.

“You don’t seem like the type to get fired for incompetence. Was it your fault?”

“I suppose so….no, it was my own fault. I guess I deserved it after an accident that happened.”

The man ceased questioning him, and though they just met, a comfortable silence formed between the two. The clouds soon parted, and darkness gave way to scenery illuminated by the moon’s faint light. The artificial orange lights seemed to dim in the presence of the light in the sky, yet it remained harmonious. A strong silver; a soothing orange. As the man released a soft grunt, Yuuto turned to meet him.

“I’m also having work trouble. I’ve got an important decision to make soon, and to be honest with you, it’s a lot of pressure. Lot of good folks’ jobs are on me.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised. You carry yourself with importance.”

“It comes with the job, though people find you intimidating so it’s hard to actually work with anyone.”

“Believe me sir, I understand. And…...I may not know you personally, so I’m sorry if this sounds insensitive or irresponsible, but I believe that at least some people support you. With them, I’m sure you can make it through.”

For the second time the man paused at Yuuto’s words. The silver light of the moon briefly made him appear much older.

“Why are you here, tonight, young man? Did you get into a fight with your wife and take it out on someone at work?”

“Oh, no, not in the slightest. See, I got off at the wrong stop on my way home and was about to call a taxi when I came over here.”

“Have you ever gotten into a fight with her?”

Hearing his words, a brief memory from a few years ago flashed through Yuuto’s mind.

He’d given directions to a tourist group of young girls while Hikari searched for produce at a market. Upon finding the girls talking to him, she made threatening gestures to the vegetables with a knife she always carried with her. After a scolding, she pouted the entire ride home. That day, Yuuto managed to convince her that he was not flirting with any of them, and that she should stop carrying knives in public. Instead, she would carry a ladle.

To this day, he still doesn't know if she carries a ladle with her in public.

“I can’t say I have,” he said in a nervous laugh. “We’ve had our issues, but we’ve always resolved them.”

When the man failed to speak, Yuuto filled the silence.

“And you, sir?”

The man drew a long breath from a cigarette Yuuto didn’t notice he had.

“I’ve been alone for a long time now.” In Yuuto’s silence, the man continued.

“My wife was my only support for years, helped me start my business, dealt with the long nights and my being away. It was hard, sometimes too much, but worth it after some years. Eventually we became a household name, a brand known all over the country. Something like that should’ve made me satisfied, happy even. But it wasn’t enough.”

“You kept going?”

The man gave a slow nod.

“Some days I wouldn’t be back home, I’d stay in our office for days or weeks at a time. I’ll be honest with you young man,” he said as his face grew solemn. “Some days I forgot she existed.”

Yuuto felt a cold sting through his spine. He couldn’t imagine doing such a thing to his own wife, but it was sadly something he’d seen before. People forgoing their families, forgetting something as simple as to call them.

“Are you divorced?”

“Might as well be. I’ve tried to distance myself from work, do some thinking. About her, my legacy, what an old man like me has left to offer. Ever since, I’ve been coming here. And let me tell you, you’re not the first to sit in that chair, but your the first to listen to these words of mine.”

“Thank you. It seems like you’re dealing with a lot.”

The man let out another bellowing laugh.

“It’s another part of life, though admittedly, not one I’ve been good at dealing with.”

Yes. An opportunity.

When the silence gathered once more, Yuuto spoke.

“Only those who know what it’s like to be alone can call themselves human, but by then it’s almost always too late. Almost.”

The man gave a perplexed stare at the sudden philosophy spoken by Yuuto to which Yuuto responded with silence.

“Care to explain?”

“It’s what I’ve come to understand about people after years of being around them. It’s about the nature of them.”

“That doesn't answer my question.”

“A certain philosopher said that ‘a man can be himself only so long as he is alone’, and those words are true. But at the same time, most people underestimate how crippling it is to be truly alone. Given enough time it can, and will, break people.”

The man leaned backwards with apparent interest.

“Humans can only find answers when we’re alone. That’s why I think what you’re doing isn’t necessarily something wrong, you’re looking for the answers to both your work life and marriage. It’s not too late sir; that’s what I believe.”

“You’re more idealistic than you look.”

“I want to believe in an ideal, sir.”

The man held his chin while staring at the now clear sky. It was difficult to get a read on his thoughts, and after some time, he spoke once more.

“So then, do you have any words of advice for a man who’s ruined his marriage?”

“Only that I believe you can always get up. You can always try again.”

What was once a rugged face gave way to a soft smile. It looked odd on the man’s face, he clearly wasn’t used to it.

“Sir, I believe that’s what it means to be a man.”

“You’re an idealist alright.” He said, shaking his head. “But now I want to know.”

“Err…..know what?”

“You’ve given me some sound advice; that’s why I want you to tell me the story of how you met your wife.”

“Ahaha!” Yuuto said reeling back almost immediately. “I appreciate the interest sir, but I’m not sure it would offer anything of value, it’s not a short story either so—”

“—please.” Said the man giving a small bow. “Consider it an old man’s request. I believe it can offer insight.”

The sudden change of tone caught Yuuto by surprise. His voice was so sincere.

“Well,” he said calming down, “if you believe it can help, I’d be more than happy to share.”

And it would technically be the first time I ever told anyone about how we met.

“I guess I should start w—”

“Wait.” The man interrupted. Smoke bellowed from his mouth as he lit a fresh new cigarette. In pressing silence, he turned to face Yuuto.

“Well,” Yuuto said, staring downward. “It’s not a short story.”