On that snowy day, the world outside was covered in a thick layer of snow, resembling a bowl of cold vanilla ice cream. Just like every year before, Kenji stood before Kaoru's grave, offering incense sticks and sharing meaningful moments, recounting the events of the past year.
He shared almost everything from things about his university activities, his travelling trips back to his parent's house, and what he did on summer breaks with friends. Sometimes, he talked about things that happened in his workplace.
However, little did he know that fate had something unexpected in store for him that day. As he stood there, a male teenager with a thick scarf wrapped around his neck approached him politely.
"Are you the one who always takes care of Kaoru-san's grave?" the teen asked, innocence and curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
Kenji was momentarily taken aback by the question, captivated by the stranger's presence.
This marked the first encounter between him and Yuuji.
From that day on, their paths continued to intersect, almost as if guided by some unseen force. They exchanged emails and social media accounts, spending weekends together, and Yuuji soon became a regular visitor to Kenji's workplace and apartment. Even after work, Kenji would walk the boy home, occasionally sharing meals with his family, and even attending his middle school graduation.
As time passed, their bond deepened, and one day, amidst the changing seasons, Yuuji mustered the courage to confess his feelings to Kenji.
"I like you, Ueda-san," Yuuji revealed, his sincerity palpable in his vulnerable gaze, tugging at Kenji's heartstrings.
Unable to resist that earnest look, Kenji reached for Yuuji's hand, pulling him closer. He tenderly caressed the teen's soft, dark hair, their lips meeting in a gentle kiss, embracing the intimacy they found in each other.
Their connection blossomed like a dream come true, carrying them through each season, from winter to spring, and beyond.
Yet, reality had a way of disrupting even the most beautiful dreams. As Kenji accidentally burnt his hand on a hot stainless-steel mug, the pain brought him back to the present moment.
Staring at his wet hand, he murmured to himself, "What am I doing...?"
His thoughts were in turmoil, torn between conflicting emotions. He couldn't find a clear resolution, questioning whether being together with Yuuji was the right path to take.
"Hey, Ueda."
A voice from behind startled Kenji, causing him to pivot on his heels. It was Masato-san, still as strikingly handsome as ever, but there was an unmistakable air of concern etched on his face.
"Can we talk in private?" Masato-san's words were soft yet laden with a sense of urgency.
Kenji furrowed his brow as the curiosity in his head mingled with confusion.
"What is it?"
"It's about Sakamoto," Masato-san replied, his tone tinged with seriousness.
Kenji's bewilderment deepened. "What is it with him?"
"It's nothing serious, though... And it isn't about him messing up or anything like that."
"Then?" Kenji probed, eager to know the reason behind this mysterious request.
"Let's talk outside," Masato-san suggested.
He led the way towards the staff room, hidden away behind the bustling beverage station. However, he hesitated, realising that the staff room might not provide the privacy they needed for this conversation.
Guiding Kenji further, Masato-san gestured towards a door at the back of the shop, away from prying eyes and curious ears, seeking a more secluded place where they could discuss whatever lay ahead.
YOU ARE READING
Tiny Memory
Short StoryAfter learning about Kaoru's death, Kenji can't stop blaming himself. He had never failed to visit Kaoru's grave for years, until one day, he came across Yuuji, whom he believed Kaoru's younger brother. Although initially, he just wanted to be Kaor...
