𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 ━ 𝐁𝐎𝐊𝐔 𝐍𝐎 𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐎 𝐗 𝐅!𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐄𝐄

The following morning, I stirred awake without the usual jolt from Hiroto's boisterous and overly enthusiastic voice. He wasn't there to jump on me, crushing me under his weight until I woke up. The bed felt vacant and frigid as I came to the realization that he was not by my side.

I sighed heavily, dragging myself out of bed and trudging downstairs where the alluring aroma of something delicious being cooked wafted toward me. As I entered the dining room, I saw Hiroto setting the table, arranging silverware and plates with utmost care before placing the food in the center, creating a beautiful arrangement. The thought of facing him after yesterday made me feel uneasy, and I was about to escape to my room when he interrupted me with a loud cough.

"Please have breakfast," he spoke softly. "I won't disturb you or bring up yesterday's events in front of Aunt Masumi. Just join us for breakfast, please."

I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to say. But my grumbling stomach betrayed me, and I found myself sitting down at the table, opposite Hiroto and next to Masumi. The tension was palpable, and I focused my attention on the food in front of me, trying to avoid any eye contact with Hiroto. The food he prepared was simple, yet satisfying. A bowl of steaming rice, a piping hot miso soup, and a perfectly broiled fish accompanied by a boiled egg. He had even gone the extra mile to carve the egg into heart shapes.

As we ate, I couldn't help but steal glances at Hiroto. He looked tired and defeated, a far cry from his usual energetic self. I wondered what had happened after I stormed out of Leblanc yesterday. Had he been angry? Had he cried?

I tried to push those thoughts out of my head, but they kept creeping back in. It was only when Masumi spoke up, interrupting the silence, that I was able to snap out of my thoughts. "Hiroto, dear," Masumi said, breaking the silence, "I was thinking of going to the park today. Would you mind accompanying me?"

"Sure thing," Hiroto replied with a smile. "We can spend the entire day there if you want to, Aunt Masumi. You should come along--"

Losing my appetite, I pushed my plate away and stood up from the table. "I think I'll pass," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. "I have somewhere to be today." I left the room, ignoring Hiroto's sad gaze on me, unable to bring myself to look back at him.

My mind was in turmoil after the private investigators, Niijima and Hayakawa, hired by my mother, had shared shocking revelations with me. They disclosed that my mother's body had been discovered long ago, and she had hired them to investigate my father's death, implying that she had suspected foul play. Shockingly, my grandmother had hidden this vital information from me. The weight of this knowledge was unbearable, and it altered everything, including the way I perceived Masumi. I couldn't help feeling betrayed.

A quiet knock at my door interrupted my thoughts, and I hesitated before answering. It was Hiroto, and I opened the door, allowing him to enter. He sat down on the edge of my bed, and I could see the concern etched on his face.

"I'm sorry," he whispered gently. "I understand the pain you're going through and it hurts me to see you in this state. My words were out of line, especially in a public setting. I'm just so worried about you, and I want to help, but I don't know how. I only know that I don't want you to end up like me." I was taken aback as he abruptly enveloped me in his arms, his tears soaking my nightgown.

As he held me tightly, I sensed the warmth and affection emanating from his heart. It was the first time since my brother's death that I allowed myself to give in to my emotions. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I held onto him tightly.

He held me tightly, his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. "It's okay," he whispered. "Let it out. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

And so I cried, the tears coming in waves as I let out all the pain and sorrow that I had been holding inside. It felt like an eternity before the tears finally stopped, and I pulled away from him, feeling embarrassed and vulnerable.

He smiled at me gently, his eyes full of understanding. "It's okay," he said again. "You don't have to be strong all the time. It's okay to let yourself feel."

But at that point, it was too late for me; I had already succumbed to darkness and soon someone would cultivate that darkness and use it to unleash chaos upon the world.

DEPRESSION METER
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