Beautiful boy

~3~

Toshio arranged his belongings in the guest room that Kiyoshi graciously provided for him. As he organized his notes and reviewed Miyako's report, his mind wandered back to the haunting words she had spoken.

"Haha never told me what happened with Chichi... but she always told me that it was my fault that ChiChi left us. I had 3 Ani's; they always tried to protect me... no... no, they did not... one used to hit me... the other... the other... he.. "Toshio's heart ached as he recalled Miyako's pain. He handed her a glass of water, offering a small gesture of solace as she struggled to share her harrowing memories. Her discomfort and paranoia were palpable, and Toshio made a mental note to approach the delicate situation with care.

"Miyako-chan... look at me."

Miyako met his gaze, her eyes reflecting a storm of emotions. Toshio urged her to take deep breaths and relax before gently inquiring about the tragic events that had scarred her young life."Since you're pretty uncomfortable talking about your family... can you at least tell me how they died... or were killed?"

Toshio's voice was soft, laced with empathy. Miyako closed her eyes, the memories flooding back with painful clarity. She recounted the nightmarish ordeal of that fateful night, the fear and trauma etched in every word she spoke.

"It was 2 years ago... I remember my mother... she was about to punish me again... she was about to throw me into a dark room because I misbehaved. I was... crying and pleading with her not to. Then... a knock on the door... and I passed out... I woke up, that demon. I thought I was dead... no, I was still alive, but my-my...family... they were... covered in blood...and..mother..she..."

Miyako's voice quivered as tears streamed down her cheeks. Toshio offered her another glass of water, his heart heavy with sorrow for her unimaginable loss. He didn't push her to continue, understanding the emotional toll of reliving such a traumatic experience. Toshio took a moment to collect his thoughts, his mind swirling with questions and concerns about Miyako's past. The cryptic details she shared raised more questions than answers, leaving him with a gnawing sense of unease.

"Poor girl," Toshio muttered to himself, his gaze lingering on Miyako's notes. The depth of her pain was evident in every word she spoke, and Toshio felt a deep sense of responsibility to help her heal. His contemplation was interrupted by Kiyoshi's knock on the door, signaling dinner. Toshio sighed and followed Kiyoshi to the dining area, where he was surprised to find his favorite meal waiting for him - Yakizakana with Tsukemono and Gohan. The nostalgic aroma brought back memories of happier times, of shared meals with his beloved older sister, Kiyoko. As they ate, Toshio couldn't shake off the melancholy that enveloped him. Thoughts of Kiyoki and and his mother flashed through his mind, he looked down

Kiyoshi, ever perceptive, noticed Toshio's subdued demeanor and probed with genuine concern."Are you alright? Is the food not to your liking? should i fire the cook?" Kiyoshi's questions were met with Toshio's reassurance, though the underlying sadness was palpable.

"No no, I'm fine... it's just.. I haven't had this in many years, and it's just.... really nice of you to consider making this for me for dinner.." Toshio's voice trailed off, gratitude mingled with wistfulness. Kiyoshi's concern softened, and he offered a reassuring smile. "No problem, if you want more just ask me. "After dinner, Toshio noticed how gentle and caring Kiyoshi was towards him. It warmed his heart and brought a smile to his face. He took a moment to reflect on the evening, feeling grateful for Kiyoshi's kindness.

Later, Toshio sat down at his desk and picked up a blank sheet of paper. He decided to write a letter to his brother, Kazuo, to update him on Kiyoshi's progress. Toshio carefully wrote down the details, hoping that Kazuo would find the information helpful. Once the letter was complete, Toshio folded it neatly and tied it to the leg of a dove. He whispered a message for Kazuo to the bird and watched as it flew off into the night sky, carrying his words to his brother. Feeling a sense of accomplishment,

Toshio returned to his room. He opened his closet and selected a fresh yukata to wear. The soft fabric felt comforting against his skin as he headed to the bathroom for a relaxing bath. As Toshio soaked in the warm water, he let his thoughts drift to Kiyoshi. Despite his efforts to avoid dwelling on his feelings, he couldn't help but think about the enigmatic man who had entered his life. The water droplets glistened on his skin as he submerged himself in the soothing warmth, adding to the tranquility of the moment.

After his bath, Toshio returned to his room and lay down on the futon. His damp hair glistened in the soft light, and he couldn't help but chuckle to himself as he thought about Kiyoshi. No matter how hard he tried, Kiyoshi's presence always seemed to linger in his mind. Toshio realized that trying to suppress his thoughts about Kiyoshi was futile. Instead, he decided to embrace his feelings and let them flow naturally. It was comforting to acknowledge the connection he felt with Kiyoshi, even if it was a bit confusing at times.

"It's impossible not to think about him," Toshio mused to himself, his mind wandering through memories of their interactions and the bond that was slowly forming between them. As Toshio lay on the futon, his mind gradually quieted down, and a serene calmness enveloped him. The events of the day slowly faded into the background as he focused on the rhythmic sound of his own breathing. Each inhale and exhale seemed to carry away the remnants of stress and worry, leaving behind a deep sense of peace. His body relaxed completely, sinking into the softness of the futon. The warmth from the bath lingered on his skin, creating a cozy sensation that added to the comfort of the moment.

Toshio's eyelids grew heavier with each passing second, and soon, he found himself drifting into a peaceful slumber. In that tranquil state between wakefulness and sleep, Toshio's thoughts danced in a gentle rhythm. Images of Kiyoshi's kind gestures and caring demeanor floated through his mind, bringing a subtle smile to his lips. He felt grateful for the connection they shared and the moments of understanding they had experienced together.

The room around him was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of fabric or the soft sigh of the night breeze. Toshio's breathing slowed down even further, becoming almost imperceptible as he surrendered to the tranquility of the night. As sleep finally claimed him, Toshio's dreams were filled with peaceful scenes - tranquil gardens, serene lakes, and gentle whispers of encouragement.

The sense of peace that had washed over him earlier now embraced him fully, guiding him into a restful and rejuvenating sleep. In that serene realm of dreams, Toshio found refuge from the challenges of the day, allowing his mind and body to recharge and prepare for whatever tomorrow might bring.