When They Realized (GenMui)

19

As dinner came to its completion, the house became a cacophony of footsteps, each one growing louder as the teenagers hastened to the dining table, eager for a meal worth savoring. The calming aroma of mushrooms wafted through the air, signaling the arrival of their father's traditional dish—nabe hot pot, a comforting staple that rarely made an appearance in the estate.

"I can't even remember the last time we had this," Yuichiro commented, the first of the four other teenagers to slide into an available seat, his tone a mix of surprise and anticipation.

Mr. Tokito nodded, his gentle smile conveying a quiet satisfaction. "It's been quite a while, hasn't it?"

"Definitely has," Sanemi agreed, his voice carrying a note of appreciation. "You don't make your village food often enough."

Everyone else at the table nodded in unison, more in response to the delicacy now in all of their mouths rather than in response to Sanemi's testament. Silence fell over the room, not the awkward kind, but a peaceful quiet, like the faint whispers of a fairy's bell. It was a silence to be cherished, each person at the table soaking in the moment as if afraid it might slip away too soon.

"Muichiro, umm, this is a bit sudden," Mr. Tokito began, breaking the tranquil silence as he carefully placed his porcelain chopsticks down. Muichiro raised an eyebrow, his gaze lifting from his bowl, curiosity piqued. "The court has been requesting that you give a victim's testimonial at the town hall. They believe your account could help the other victims of your abuser who refused to represent. Of course, you’re not obligated to do this, but they specifically requested it, so I thought I should let you know."

"No."

The response was immediate and resolute, a single word spoken with the conclusion of a closed door.

"Yeah, and you know what? That's completely understandable," Mr. Tokito responded quickly, his tone soothing as he tried to ease the tension that had suddenly thickened the air. "You don’t have to do anything you’re not comfortable with. Just remember, I'm always here for you, no matter what."

"Mhm," Muichiro hummed in response, eager to move past the topic. The weight of every eye on him was suffocating, each lingering gaze like a spotlight he desperately wanted to escape. Why couldn't his father read the room a little?

I'm not a victim. Please don't call me that.

It was the cope he clung to, the only way he could keep himself from unraveling.

"Anyway, how’s everyone been doing lately? Sanemi, I heard you got the job. How’s that going?" Mr. Tokito asked, smoothly steering the conversation away from the uncomfortable subject.

Sanemi flinched at the mention of his new position as a shelfer, the words pulling him out of his thoughts. He swallowed the last bite of food, always the first to finish his plate, and nodded slowly.

"It’s been alright," he admitted with a sigh, a faint tremor in his voice that hinted at the challenges he faced. "I feel like there’s a new issue every other day, but I’m managing thanks to the people around me."

Mr. Tokito arched an eyebrow, a hint of mischief dancing in his eyes as he clasped his hands together. "People like...?"

"Like the girl. Obviously, the girl," Sanemi confirmed, a subtle smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "You just want to embarrass me in front of everyone, don't you?"

"That’s not embarrassing at all, Nem—"

"You're too young to understand the concept of love, Genya. I don't need your input," Sanemi growled, rolling his eyes at his younger brother.