Letting Go

Chapter 2: The Calm Before the Storm

"Mako-nii!" Hayato's cheerful voice filled the classroom as Makoto stepped in. He ran over to the tall green eyed man he had grown to love and trust, his big brother. "I did it! I did it!" The high pitched squeal exclaimed as the small boy held up a sheet of paper with the written words 'Great Job! A+' on it.

Makoto chuckled softly at Hayato's excitement as he kneeled down to eye level with him placing one hand on the boys head and giving his pink salmon colored hair a ruffle. "That's great Hayato. I knew you could do it. I'm so proud of you" He praised then looked up as Hayato's teacher approached them. He stood giving her a courteous nod.

"Mr. Tachibana. It is to my understanding that you've been tutoring Hayato these past few weeks in his studies. I must say, he's been doing exceptionally better in all areas."

Makoto nodded with a smile "Yes, I have been" he said with a sense of pride as he glanced to Hayato who was rocking back and forth on his heels smiling big at the praise from his teacher with a light blush on his small cheeks. "I'm so glad to hear he's doing better" Mako continued on as his gaze went back to the teacher. "Thank you for the update on his progress." With that he reached over taking Hayato's hand "we should get going. You don't want to be late for your swimming practice."

Brightly smiling Hayato squeezed the mans hand who he now looked up to as his idol. "Will you be helping with the coach today?"

With a soft chuckle at the boys excitement Makoto pulled Hayato up and sat him on his shoulders "it just so happens that today I am" He answered as they arrived at the pool. He sat the young boy down and went inside. "Hayato, you go get ready and I'll meet you at the pool with the others in your class and remember, the relay race is today, so stay focused."

Kisumi had just finished all his daily tasks around the house. Living room picked up and vacuumed, kitchen and bathroom swept and mopped, even dinner had been started. He felt a sense of accomplishment today, usually he'd never be done this early. The only thing that remained now was the laundry.

He quickly gathered Hayato's things then went and corralled his and Makoto's and headed down stairs to the laundry room. Piece by piece he loaded the washer making sure to check the pockets for whatever may or may not have been emptied and forgotten. He was on the last one of Mako's when he found a neatly folded slip of paper. As he brought it out his eyes widened slightly as he read the name on the front of the folded paper. "Haru.." his lips mouthed the name quietly.

He felt a sudden sinking feeling as he just stared blankly at the paper, debating whether to open it and read it or just put it up for later. Kisumi shook his head quickly as he made his way back up stairs. ~No, I shouldn't.~ he told himself in his mind ~But I want to know what it says..~ he couldn't figure what could be on the paper of why Makoto would be writing to his ex lover but he could tell from the feeling in his gut that he wouldn't like what he found, or that's the feeling he got at least.

Finally his curiosity got the better of him. He started to unfold the letter when suddenly the front door opened and Hayato ran in causing him to jump and quickly he shoved the paper into his pocket.

"Onii-chan!" He called out excitedly as he wrapped his small arms around his brother and looked up with big bright and sparkling eyes. "Guess what! Guess what!" Hayato help up his paper showing his grades. "And guess what again! My team won our relay race today! Mako-nii said that I swam faster than I ever had before! He said I made my own new record." Pride filled Hayato's voice as it rang out proudly around the house.

Kisumi smiled widely "that's so great ototo, you did really good!" He praised giving the same amount of energy his little brother was giving off then looked over as Makoto entered and shut the door. At that instance his thoughts of the letter quickly faded from his mind. He walked up with a softer smile "welcome home Makoto"