Closer To The Stars With You [shuji x reader]

14. The Past and The Future

Two weeks had passed, and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off with my mom. She was acting a bit strange, more distracted and distant than usual. It made me uneasy, and I wondered if she knew about Shuji staying over that night. It wasn't like she'd be mad—she was always open about that stuff with me—but her behavior suggested it might be something else.

I decided to talk to her. "Hey, Mom," I said as I walked into her room.

"Yes, hun?" she responded, looking up from her book.

I sighed, trying to find the right words. "Well, I don't know how I'm supposed to say this," I started, but she cut me off.

"Oh, I know about your little boyfriend. Don't worry," she said with a knowing smile.

I looked at her, wide-eyed. "I-I... no, that's not what I meant, but okay, good. What I wanted to say was..." I sighed again before continuing. "Are you okay? You seem a bit out of order."

She looked at me with a sad expression. "Well, yes, for the most part. It's your dad. He's trying to visit us, but I'm not allowing him that."

Her words hit me like a ton of bricks. My dad had always been a sensitive topic. He left when I was little and was on and off with my mom. We haven't seen or heard much from him since we moved. The idea of him wanting to visit stirred up a mix of emotions—anger, curiosity, fear.

"Why now?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

She sighed, closing her laptop and patting the bed next to her. I sat down, and she took my hand. "He's been reaching out more lately. I think he's finally realized what he lost, but I'm not sure if I can trust him. I don't want him to hurt you again."

I looked into her eyes, seeing the pain and uncertainty there. "Mom, I don't know what to think. Part of me wants to see him, to hear what he has to say, but another part of me is scared."

She nodded, understanding. "I feel the same way, hun. It's complicated. But I want you to know that whatever you decide, I'll support you. If you want to talk to him or even see him, we'll do it together. You don't have to face this alone."

Tears welled up in my eyes, and I hugged her tightly. "Thanks, Mom. I don't know what I'd do without you."

She hugged me back, her embrace comforting and reassuring. "We'll figure this out together. One step at a time."

As we sat there, holding each other, I felt a sense of relief. The uncertainty about my dad's intentions was still there, but knowing I had my mom's support made it a little easier to face. And as for Shuji, well, that was a conversation for another time. For now, I needed to process this new development and figure out how I felt about my dad's sudden desire to re-enter our lives.

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That evening, I texted Shuji about what had happened with my mom. He immediately offered to come over, but I told him I needed some time to think. His understanding and patience made me appreciate him even more.

The next day at school, I felt a bit off, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of my dad. Shuji noticed immediately and pulled me aside during lunch. "Hey, you okay?" he asked, concern evident in his eyes.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, it's just... my dad wants to visit us. It's been years, and I don't know how to feel about it."

Shuji's expression softened. "That sounds tough. Do you want to talk about it?"

I shook my head. "Not right now. I just needed to tell someone. Thanks for listening."

He pulled me into a hug. "I'm here for you, always.