CAPTURED

Chapter V

As Hikaru opened his eyes from a long sleep, he found himself lying in the hospital. Hikaru noticed a colleague from work watching over him, and he asked about Shin’s condition. 

“You’ve been asleep for three days, and Shin has been diagnosed with a coma, still not waking up due to excessive blood loss,” his colleague explained solemnly.

Hikaru, eager to see Shin, was stopped by his colleague, who reminded him they weren’t allowed to visit yet. Advising Hikaru to rest, he then discussed the portfolio, expressing concern over the deadline.

“I’m not trying to pressure you, but the boss refused to extend it,” he explained gravely.

“He threatened to demote Shin and terminate you if you fail to submit the proposal.”

The next day, Hikaru was discharged from the hospital but still hadn’t had a chance to see Shin. Lost and frustrated, he blamed himself for Shin’s situation. Determined to continue their portfolio, he discovered that his laptop, containing the memory, had been destroyed by the landslide. Fortunately, his camera remained safe and working. Without wasting a moment, he hurried to the location he’d selected to complete their portfolio, even though memories from his past made him hesitant. Ultimately, it was his final option, a place where he felt confident he could work all safe.

-

Arriving at Hananuki Valley, a wave of nostalgia washed over him, flooding his mind with memories of his childhood. As he strolled through the neighborhood, familiar faces and places triggered a flood of reminiscence about his twin brother. Though he planned to visit him, he remained uncertain and hesitant, unsure if he was brave enough to confront the past.

In the past five days of being in Hananuki Valley, he attempted to visit his brother every day but failed each time. Finally, on the decisive day, as he slowly approached his twin brother, he was overcome with trembling and a sense of impending panic. Overwhelmed, he bolted away in a frenzy, his mind consumed by chaos. Seeking solace, he found himself at the cliff’s edge, where the breathtaking sunset stirred a desperate plea from within: “Brother, take me with you. I don’t want to hurt anyone anymore.” With each step closer to the edge, he closed his eyes, ready to leap, when a hand grabbed him, halting his descent. To his astonishment, it was Shin.

“Please, don’t do this,” Shin pleaded, pulling Hikaru into a tight embrace. Hikaru broke down in tears.

“How did you know I was here?” Hikaru asked through his sobs.

“I just felt that I had to come and save you, and you had this place on top of your list right?” Shin replied, his voice filled with concern.

As Shin comforted him, he gently asked, “Where have you been staying since you got here?”

Hikaru sniffled and answered, “At our house, with Grandma.” They started walking home together. Along the way, Shin noticed a familiar tree but chose to ignore it, focusing instead on accompanying Hikaru to his room.

Upon their arrival at Hikaru’s house, his grandmother noticed Hikaru’s distressed state and promptly asked Shin to take him to his room, assuring that she would prepare medications for Shin and dinner for both of them. Before leaving , she addressed Shin, “Young man, you look familiar. Have you been here before?” Shin responded with an awkward smile, feeling a sense of familiarity with the place himself.

Shin couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling pervading the entire place, but he made an effort not to let it show to Hikaru. After assisting Hikaru with his medication, he excused himself to use the bathroom, needing a moment alone to confront his unsettled emotions.

“This town is his town,” he murmured to himself, conviction in his voice. “I’m certain of it. And that tree… I’ve been there countless times before. Even though it’s been twenty years since I last visited, I’ll never forget that tree, the place where we were supposed to meet that day.”

On his way back to Hikaru’s room in his huge house, Shin became disoriented amidst the numerous corridors and rooms. Forgetting which room to enter, he attempted to open one door, only to be greeted by a sight that left him speechless with disbelief.