Tangled Threads of Tradition and Love

C̶h̶a̶p̶t̶e̶r̶-19

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❃𝓦𝓱𝔂 𝓬𝓪𝓷'𝓽  𝓘 𝓫𝓮 𝓪 𝓼𝓲𝓵𝓵𝔂
𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷𝓫𝓸𝔂 𝓯𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 ❃

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"Anyway!" Akimitsu's lively voice snapped Akira out of his thoughts. "Enough about me and my sexy, thrilling life. How's everything at SSE? Anything exciting happen recently?"

Akira paused, his mind immediately drifting to Huan. But Akira didn't feel like getting into any of that with his uncle, not right now.

"Nothing much," Akira replied, "Just... training and classes. You know how it is."

Akimitsu didn't miss a beat, his tone turning teasing, "No crushes, no hook-ups?" he giggled. "Come on, you're at SSE. The place is crawling with hot cultivators and what not."

Akira's face flushed instantly as the image of Huan all sweaty from training popped into his mind. "One... I guess," he admitted reluctantly.

"Only one?!" Akimitsu's voice rose, almost making Akira pull the phone away from his ear. "When I was your age, I was the biggest slut at SSE. Seriously, every other day there was a new cock in mouth. And here you are with just one little crush?" He tsked dramatically, and Akira gagged at the imagery created in his mind. "You're as boring as your father."

Akira winced at the comparison. Of all things, he hated being likened to his father. The man was a cold, distant figure who never seemed to care about anything beyond duty and honor. Akira, on the other hand, was quieter, more reserved but still was a little fun. He enjoyed solitude, but even in his isolation, he felt the sting of loneliness. He wanted to make friends, but something always held him back, that gnawing anxiety about reaching out. It was easier to be alone, even if it sometimes hurt.

"So... who is this crush of yours?" Akimitsu pressed, his tone practically dripping with amusement.

Akira bit his lip, his heart speeding up slightly at the thought of Huan. He hesitated for a moment before replying, "...Just someone I met at SSE."

"Someone you met?" Akimitsu repeated, clearly unimpressed. "And that's it? Come on, Akira, you're killing me here. No details?"

"Yeah, that's it," Akira mumbled, his cheeks still burning. Wanting to change the subject quickly, he asked, "How are the others?"

Akimitsu sighed. "Oh, they're fine. Your auntie Hanako and Takashi are off to Senbai. Apparently, there have been sightings of a umibōzu out there near Miyagi Prefecture. It's been causing all kinds of trouble, so they're heading over to deal with it."

Akira raised his eyebrows. "A umibōzu? That's rare. What about Uncle Daichi and Father?"

"They're still in Aokigahara—The Dead Forest. But don't worry, they're fine. They've dealt with far worse than a few wandering spirits. They'll be back soon."

"Aokigahara?" Akira's concern deepened. "Are they okay?"

"Of course, they're fine," Akimitsu replied, his voice nonchalant. "You know your father. He wouldn't come back unless the job was done, and Daichi's the same way."

Akira nodded to himself, feeling a little relieved. If his uncle wasn't worried, then he didn't need to be either. "Alright... well, I'm glad they're okay."

"Well, I should go now," Akimitsu said, his tone brightening again. "Take care of yourself, and try to have a little more fun, okay? You're only young once!"