Euphoria

Thank You, Goodbye

Due to the selfish nature of time, your vacation had quickly come to its end. About a week had passed since New Years and the day came where you had to leave.

You were leaving home.

Which was still weird for you to think about, the fact that you were able to call this place your home. And although it felt like it, part of you, a very small part, almost felt bad you never thought of your childhood house that way. You wished you could have, you really did.

You were making sure you didn't forget to pack anything when something wrapped around you from behind. Strong arms were found around your waist as a chin landed on your shoulder.

"I'm tired, when we get to the dorm, let's wait to unpack and just take a nap yeah?" Hitoshi adjusted and grumbled into the crook of your neck.

"Yeah that sounds like a good plan, honestly I wasn't thinking we'd be hauling all our shit back in there anyways...Random thought, when you got me this ring for Christmas while we were in town the night before, how did you know I liked violets? They are one of my favorite flowers, yet I don't think I ever told you that." You pointed to the dainty ring on your middle finger showcasing a wire work violet at the center.

"You did tell me, kind of. Remember when you were watching the new Violet Evergarden movie, you kind of commented between tears on how amazing it was. So I just assumed you would like the homage." You forgot about that, too focused on how mind blown you were about the movie. It really did make the series.

"You are very observant, you know. Now I love the ring even more, thank you again." He hummed in response, he really must have been tired.

"Hey Hitoshi, do you want me to drive back? You seem a little out of it, as long as I can get directions on my phone, I think it will be fine."

"Yeah, that may be for the best." He separated from you. "I'll go set up directions on my phone real quick. You can say your last goodbyes to my parents, I already did, so meet me in the car after. Okay?"

"Okay." You made your way down stairs with him. He decided to give his parents one last goodbye hug each and headed out to the car. You stayed behind for a few minutes longer.

"Thank you for your hospitality. This house really did become like my home, I can't wait to come visit again. The city is beautiful and I had the best vacation I think I have ever had in my life." You hugged both Hatori and Mayuko in the midst of showing your gratitude. Which they graciously accepted.

"You are a lovely girl, we do hope you come over again. And...thank you for making Toshi so happy, he really seems to have opened up because of you. He was never one to be very affectionate, not outwardly, but now it's so different. He has changed for the better. I hope you two are very happy with each other." Mayuko, you noticed over the time of getting to know her, was always the one to talk. Hatori, though more quiet, was always engaged in the conversation and spoke up when he felt it was necessary.

"She's right, you have made our boy look like he is living for once. We are very grateful to you for bringing him happiness and comfort. Maybe we will see you back here for summer break." This seemed to be one of his times to speak his mind. He's a very nice man, just like his son.

You gave them a smile and bowed one last time before going out to the car. They followed behind you. As you were leaving the driveway, they waved one last 'see you later'. Inevitably leaving their view, you readied yourself for the hour drive ahead of you.

Twenty minutes in, Hitoshi was dead asleep.

"Guess it is a good thing I'm driving." You let out a breathy chuckle as you lightly pat his head. Continuing on your journey home with the sound of automated directions, road noise and soft music in the background.