Chapter 30: Waking up

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Translator: Soafp

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[Ryota PoV]

I was floating. Everything around me was so quiet. How long had I been waiting for this peaceful moment?

As I drifted in this serene environment, a voice called out to me.

“Ryota…”

I turned, searching for the source of the voice. At first, I saw no one, just the endless expanse of tranquility surrounding me.

“Ryota”

But then, after a few more calls, I saw her – my mother.

Emotions surged within me as I caught sight of her.

“Mom! Mom!”

I cried out, my voice echoing in the stillness of this dreamlike world.

I rushed toward her, tears streaming down my cheeks. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I reached her, throwing my arms around her in a tight embrace.

“Mom, I’ve missed you so much.”

I sobbed, unable to contain the flood of emotions that overwhelmed me.

I clung to my mother, relishing the warmth of her embrace and the familiar scent that enveloped me. It was as though time had stood still, and for a brief moment, all the pain and sorrow that had weighed heavily on my heart melted away.

As my mother held me close, she began to stroke my hair, just as she used to when I was a child. The sensation was comforting, familiar, and oh, how I had missed it.

In that moment, surrounded by her warmth and love, I felt as though I had finally reunited with my mother. The worries and troubles of the waking world faded away, replaced by a sense of peace and contentment.

But even as I reveled in this moment of bliss, a nagging thought tugged at the corners of my mind. This couldn’t be real, could it? My mother was gone, lost to me forever.

Yet here she was, her presence so vivid and lifelike. Was this just a dream, a figment of my imagination conjured up to soothe my troubled soul?

As I nestled into my mother’s embrace, tears streamed down my cheeks, a mixture of joy and sorrow mingling in my heart. It felt so real, her touch, her voice, her comforting presence. But deep down, I knew it couldn’t be.

She held me tighter, her arms a haven of solace.

“I’ve missed you too, Ryota. But you know I’m not really here, don’t you?”

Her words pierced through the haze of my emotions, grounding me in reality once more. I pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes, searching for answers.

“I don’t understand.”

I murmured, confusion clouding my thoughts.

My mother smiled gently, her expression filled with love and understanding.

“You’re in a dream, Ryota. A place where your mind seeks refuge when the world becomes too much to bear.”

“But it feels so real…”

She reached out, wiping away my tears with a tender touch.

“Dreams have a way of doing that. They can be both a source of comfort and a painful reminder of what we’ve lost.”

“I don’t want to wake up.”

“I know, Ryota. But there are people waiting for you in the real world. They need you.”

“Who needs me? My new family betrayed and me shunned me out. I lost my ex-girlfriend who wouldn’t even listen to me. Is there anyone who needs me?”

My mother shakes her head.

“Haa…Ryota, when you were at your wits end, there were people trying to prove your innocent.”

“….Aah.”

That is true. It was Kenji who was saying that my name will be cleared when he was holding me from falling down. How could I have forgotten this?

“You remembered it now and it seems Kenji also kept his promise.”

“What promise?”

“Back then in the hospital room when I was about to under surgery he asked Kenji-kun to look out for you. I knew you would have a hard time if I was gone. I am really greatfull to Kenji-kun. However it appears he needs your help now.”

“He needs my help? Did something happen to Kenji?!”

“I don’t know. But it’s better for you to wake up now and help your friend.”

“But I want to talk with you a bit more.”

My mother smiled gently.

“I would love to as well, Ryota. But there are things more important right now. Maybe another time, okay?”

“What if there is no other time? What if this is the last time I will see you?”

“Then I want you to continue living your life. Enjoy life with the people you care about and improve what needs to be improved.”

“Continue living my life… I even threw my life away. Is it possible for me?”

“Of course, Ryota. Because there are people who want to help you.”

After being betrayed, I thought nobody would care about me. I was in so much pain that I had put walls around my heart, shutting others out to protect myself from further hurt.

But I realized that was the wrong approach. There were people out there who believed in me till the end, who fought for me and cleared my name.

How could I have been so foolish?

“Understood, Mom.”

With newfound determination, I made my decision. I will continue living my life and make the best out of it.

“It is time for me to go. I will be off. Until next time, Mom.”

“Until next time, Ryota. Have a safe trip.”

My mother waved at me and that was the last time I saw her.

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I slowly opened my eyes and found someone’s head resting on the bed. Confused, I tried to recall where I was and realized I must be in the hospital after my fall.

After a moment, I recognized the figure as my best friend, Kenji. Perhaps he was tired and had nodded off, his head leaning against the bed.

“Kenji…”

My voice was weak, drained from my ordeal, but there was no response.

“Kenji…”

I tried again, calling his name, and this time I noticed a slight twitch, indicating he wasn’t asleep.

Kenji turned his head around and saw my face.

“Ryota…”

As he turned his head and saw me, tears welled up in his eyes. How much anguish had he endured while I was unconscious?

“I have to notify the doctors that you are awake.”

“That can wait, I want to tell you first something.”

Kenji was about to stand about but went back to his original position.

“Kenji, I’m sorry for everything I’ve put you through. For what happened in the park, the pain you endured when I jumped, and all the trouble I caused you.”

I couldn’t bow my head but I was really sincere.

“Ryota, the pain I experienced pales in comparison to what you’ve endured. Living on the streets, collecting bottles and cans – I can’t even imagine.”

“Ah, right. I did that, didn’t I? How long has it been?”

“About 8 months, roughly. It’s currently February 17th.”

Eight months had passed since my fall. But dwelling on the past wouldn’t help. I could see the concern etched on Kenji’s face, indicating he was troubled by something.

“Kenji, it seems like you are troubled by something. Did something happen?”

He glanced down for a moment, as if gathering his thoughts, before meeting my gaze once more.

“Actually—“

He proceeded to recount the events that unfolded after my fall. Yuto got arrested, the unsettling reasons behind Dad’s siding with Yuto, the shocking revelations from Yuto during the trial and the story about his father all in span of 8 months.

Now that I am thinking of it. Dad did always side with Yuto but it never occured to me why he did it but it seems Yuto had something to do with it.

I had promised Mom that I will improve what needs to be improved. I will think of it later, Kenji needs my help right now. I can’t do much but maybe just by talking he will be at ease.

“How is your father now?”

“I don’t know. I couldn’t visit him because the doctors are still busy. That’s why I went to your room. At least something positive came out of today.”

Whenever he gives me a weak smile and avoids making eye contact, I know he’s hiding something.

“Haa… Kenji, I know you are hiding something from me. I might not be able to do something to help you with my current state but I can lent you an ear.”

“As expected of you, Ryota. You can always see through me.”

“Of course, so what’s going on?”

“Well, I received an e-mail from my mother not long ago.”

“Your mother?”

“Yeah”

Right, Kenji’s parent got divorced but the reason is unknown to me.

“Are you and your mother on bad terms?”

“Well, you could say so yeah…”

“What did the mail say?”

“I haven’t opened the mail because I’m afraid it will reopen old wounds.”

“Kenji, I understand how you feel. I built a wall around my heart to protect myself from getting hurt, even by you, Kenji. If only I had faced things head-on instead of running away, perhaps all this could have been avoided. What I’m trying to say is, don’t repeat the same mistake I made.”

I continued.

“You could simply read the mail and decide whether or not you want to respond. If you choose not to reply, you can close that chapter and move forward. At least then, you won’t have to worry about it anymore.”

“…You are right, Ryota. I should face it directly. Thank you.”

“I should be thanking you for everything what you did for me.”

I was getting sleepy again. I coudn’t keep my eyes open anymore.

“Go back to sleep, I will call in the doctor.”

“Okay, come visit me whenever you have time. I will be waiting… for…. you.”

“Of course. Sleep tight, Ryota.”

“Suu….Suuu”

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[Kenji PoV]

Ryota fell asleep, providing a momentary respite from the chaos.

As I watched over him, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this day had been one of the worst of my life, but at least there was a glimmer of hope in Ryota’s awakening.

Quietly, I left his room and encountered a doctor in the corridor. I informed him of Ryota’s brief awakening, and he hurried off to check on him.

Leaving the hospital behind, I made my way home, the silence of the empty house feeling strange and unsettling.

Upstairs in my room, I powered on my laptop, determined to find the email I had discarded earlier. After locating it in the trash folder, I hesitated for a bit but decided to open the mail.

——–

Dear Kenji,

I hope this message finds you well. It’s been a while since we last spoke after your dad and I divorced. I find myself in your town unexpectedly and thought it might be a good opportunity for us to catch up. I know it’s a bit out of the blue, but I would really like the chance to talk with you.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Warm regards,

Your (former) Mom

——–

It was as I thought, she wanted to talk with me after she left me and dad alone. Do I seek answers to find the truth or do I just let it be?

But also, why would she want to talk with me? Is there something specific she wants to say, or does she simply want to reconnect?

Then I remembered what Ryota said, it is best to face on than running away.

Finally having made my decision, I decided to respond to the email to meet up with my “mother”.

——–

Dear “Mother”,

It has been a while since we talked indeed. Let’s have a chat in about 2 days at XXX place.

Greetings,

Kenji

——–

“And….send.”

It was brief, but I don’t want to send a lengthy email either.

With this decision, I can finally seek closure and find the answers I’ve been searching for. In just two days, I’ll come face to face with my “mother”.