Sakamoto glanced at the wall clock, realizing it was late – the reason the last customers had walked out of his father's ramen shop. He removed the towel from his head and assisted his father and the employees in closing the shop. After tidying up the tables and stools, he stepped outside into the damp ground, the remnants of a recent rain shower.
As he prepared to bring in an advertising board and menu from the pavement, he was taken aback when he spotted Yuuji standing in front of the shop.
The sight of his friend, with tears streaming down his face, left Sakamoto bewildered.
"Naoki-kun...," Yuuji sobbed.
Concerned, Sakamoto hurriedly carried out his task, securing the board inside the shop, and rushed to Yuuji's side.
"What's wrong?"
But Yuuji couldn't immediately articulate the reason for his distress. Instead, he embraced Sakamoto tightly, like a lost child seeking comfort. Sakamoto, though uncertain, gently stroked his friend's head, offering silent solace.
However, their moment of solace was interrupted by voices from inside the ramen shop. Realizing that his father's employees might come out at any moment, Sakamoto reluctantly ended the embrace, leading Yuuji away from the shop without asking questions.
Hand in hand, they hurriedly walked down the pavement, away from the shop, until they reached a nearby neighbourhood park.
It was a park that was usually vibrant with children's laughter during the day but quiet and deserted at night.
As though it was the best place to let out all emotions without any disturbance, Yuuji cried without restraint. The neighbourhood park was likely a room that confined his echoing cries. And allowing the boy to have his space, Sakamoto offered a reassuring presence, patting Yuuji's back while they sat together on a wooden bench.
Once the tears subsided, Sakamoto gently broached the topic.
"Is it because of Ueda-san...?"
Yuuji kept his gaze fixed on his lap, too afraid to meet Sakamoto's eyes. The guilt of his secret being exposed weighed heavily on his chest.
"I don't know what happened between you two, but I don't think Ueda-san is the type of person to intentionally hurt someone's feelings."
Yuuji didn't say a word.
And that allowed Sakamoto to continue, "Why don't you have a heart-to-heart talk with him?"
Despite biting his lower lip in hesitation, Yuuji remained silent, unwilling to share his feelings.
Sakamoto, however, persisted. "I told you before, didn't I? You can share whatever you want with me, and I will always be by your side."
"Even if... it might hurt you...?" Yuuji finally mustered the courage to ask.
"Of course," Sakamoto replied firmly, his warm eyes meeting Yuuji's, offering unwavering support.
Seeing that familiar gentle smile on Sakamoto's face, the one that had been there since they were children, Yuuji felt a surge of emotions. It was as though the floodgates had opened, and he could no longer contain his tears. But this time, he felt a glimmer of hope, knowing he had someone to share his burden with.
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...
