Inked In Love

Fifty Three

Fifty Three

"I forgot how crazy it gets here for his birthday," I said to Theo as we drove through the town in which I grew up, the home of my grandfather. Many of the locals celebrated his life rather than be sad about it.

One week since the competition and me and Theo flew out to Japan. Everyone was trying their best to get home in time for the mass we would hold for him. I visited my father last night to ask him to come but it was a strong no. He still thought that he wasn't welcome. I tried to explain to him that Hiroki would have wanted him here but I had no luck.

" You would think it was a special holiday or something" Theo replies, his thumb stroking my arm. Ever since that night In the hotel we have been extra touchy with each other. None of us complained, our night together seemed to have changed us.

" oh yeah, they do not mess about. Wait to you get to the house" our driver spoke as he drove through the town.

And he was right. The minute we entered the grounds I could see flowers decorating the whole land that surrounded the house. Many people stood around the house all dressed in traditional Japanese clothes and colours.

My held my breath as I saw the large canvas by the fountain. Theo squeezed my hand as I felt my eyes wet with tears. They are trying to kill me, aren't they? That picture was always my favourite of him. Sitting with the people he helped. Smiling into the camera.

Both Theo and I, stepped out of the car when we arrived. They all seemed to be waiting for us. Theo's father and youngest sister Chloe stood by my mother and Kalen. Aika was sitting cross-legged in front but when she saw me she jumped up.

My eyes narrowed when my mother placed her hand on Aika's shoulder, stopping her.

" who's that" Theo whispered into my ear, his arm coming around my waist. I looked at who he was referring to and squinted my eyes.

I don't recognise him but he is quite old, would be the same age as Hiroki would be right now.

" I'm not sure" I mumbled as we walked further. Theo silently went over to greet his family and I decided to head towards this old man. He wore a traditional costume and he just generally looked important.

I bowed before him. When I stood up straight I watched his serious face transform into a more gentle and warming smile.

Rachel my auntie stepped forward. " Elle welcome, this is Kaito. He is Hiroki's brother" I widened my eyes as I slowly moved my eyes down his body. Looking for signs of similarity but I came up short. I never knew that he had a brother.

" You look very confused dear, why don't we sit down and have some tea," he says slowly stepping forward.

I turned to my mom who simply urged me to go inside with him.

By the time we sat down in one of the sitting rooms, tea was instantly brought to us.

" Me and your grandfather weren't on good terms for most of our life. We were separated at 5 years old when our parents separated and since then I have been living in Korea" he started off by saying.

" The week before he passed away I received a letter from him. He wanted to apologise for leaving his little brother alone these years. He never told me he was dying so I missed the chance to really say goodbye to him"

I breathed out slowly.

" Why have you never come then. I have been here many times since his death" I asked him.

He sighed as he placed his cup down. " I have come but I wanted to stay hidden. For so many years he lived without me here and he was happy. I didn't want to burden him even now when he is finally at peace" I nodded thinking about his answer.