Jiro POV
5 Years Ago (13)
Growing up in Osaka was challenging. As a foster child, I had no place to call "Home." Since, the saddest days I spent with my abusive mother were behind me. Her presence still inflicts my mind.
Where love was meant to be implemented in the hearts of children, mine formed into unfathomable hatred towards my biological parents. I yearned for affection by those I value highly but apparently I became lost like them.
Because I saw how depressing the world has revolved into for me... How unfair it truly is...
Jiro: "I wish I couldn't feel a damn thing... falling in love is pointless to me." <(doubtful)>
-My younger self stated, I was naive and arrogant to not cherish the lessons taught by Naoko.-
Naoko: Do you really think so, Jiro? Because if that's true. Then, does my love for you not matter?
Jiro: No. You're my mother, so of course it does. I expect you to be kinder than "She" ever was. <(teary)>
Naoko: I understand that life hasn't been kind to you in the past. But I am here now, dear. Your Father is too. So is your Brother.
Jiro: I know... I'm really glad you're her, Mom. I miss you. <crying into her shirt>
Naoko: I'll always be there for you, Jiro. Wherever you are? Whether you're still my little baby <pinches cheek> or a grown man. I'll be there when you need a hug. <pressing his heart>
-The passionate mother responds as I sat on a swing set. Naoko brushes past my silky blonde hair, to comfort me.-
Naoko: You really are precious to me, Jiro. <kissing his forehead softly>
Subaru POV
Present Time (18)
Kenichi: Good morning, son of mine!
Subaru: Is this a Dream?! Dad?! Stop bothering me... you're way too loud. <(tired)>
-He said pulling the sheets over his body. Kenichi had different plans on how to wake a lazy boy out of bed.-
Kenichi: I am giving you to about 5 to get up, Subaru Natsuki. 5...4...3...2...1
Subaru: Can you please put on a shirt first?!! <(embarrassed)>
Kenichi: You look as if you just saw your own dad naked first thing in the morning!
Subaru: Well, it's quite weird to spot their own father shirtless. <covers his eyes>
Kenichi: TIME'S UP! <leaping into the air>
-Dad belly flops onto me, as he pulls my arm. Ouch!-
Subaru: Come on! Lemme sleep, old hoot!
Kenichi: No can do, Son! You need to head out for some sun--light. <lame dad joke>
Subaru: Grrahh, if that's how you wanna play?! Fine!
-Infusing enough strength to repel my Dad. I forgot how strong he was. Damnit.-
Naoko: Subaru... Honey... Breakfast is Ready. <calling out>
Subaru: I'm coming. I just have to beat this fool up!
Naoko: It's your favorite dish. I think. <(nervous)>
Kenichi: You heard your mother. Get going. <yelps in pain>
Subaru: Okay... hehe... this never gets old, does it?!
-I said releasing him.-
Kenichi: Never.
-Rushing out to the hallway. I went over to the dining room to see what my Mom made. To my disappointment... I cried in silence.-
Subaru: PEAS!
Kenichi: Whoa. A whole lot of them too! You really did it this time, Naoko. <(laughs)>
Naoko: Sorry, guys. You were caught in a midst of a bad time.
Subaru: Well, I hate peas, you know. <(upset)>
Naoko: My fault, Subaru. Should I fix up another plate? Something new.
Subaru: No, it's alright Mom. I know you tried your best. Compared to Jiro, I'm not much of a picky eater myself.
Naoko: Figured as much. You weren't much of a rambling baby. So, Enjoy your peas, Subaru.
Kenichi: Hmm, what's wrong, Naoko? Where's Jiro-boy? <(noticed)>
Naoko: You see he actually went outside to visit "someone". The boy didn't explain who though! I pray he is safe. He's much like you, Kenichi. Always so troublesome. He might get hurt... my baby. <(worried)>
-Jiro... please don't do anything stupid.-
Kenichi: He'll be fine, darling. Jiro is a man now. Let him control his own life. We can't keep nurturing him for long. It's his last year of kōtōgakkō. Remember.
Subaru: I forgot... he still goes to- kōtōgakkō, huh? <(surprised)>
Kenichi: Unlike someone. HEY! Shouldn't you be going back?
Subaru: No... We had this argument before. Let's just leave the topic. Okay? <(bothered)>
Kenichi: Whatever you say, Son! I'm proud of you either way. <gives him a thumbs up>
-Why is he acting supportive now? Dad usually keeps quiet about my everyday life. What changed his mind?-
Subaru: I guess I should heading out then. See ya. <(waves)>
Kenichi: Hey, Subaru?
Subaru: Yes, Dad.
Kenichi: I'll go with you. Alright. <reassuring himself>
Subaru: If you say so. I'm gonna stroll around the neighborhood.
Later, At the Park
Kenichi: Subaru.
Subaru: Hmm, is there something you wanna say?
Kenichi: Can we sit down for a moment, my legs are starting to cramp?!!
Subaru: Huh! We've only been walking for a couple minutes.
Kenichi: So. I said I'm tired. Don't stress yourself when you hit my age. It'll come soon enough.
Subaru: In your dreams. <acting youthfully spirited>
Kenichi: You definitely are my Son after all. <(laughs)> Let's sit. Ok?
Subaru: .....
Kenichi: Can--
Subaru: Can--
-Synchronizing all at once. I let him go first.-
Subaru: You go ahead, Dad.
Kenichi: Aren't Cherry Trees stunning, Subaru? Man, I miss watching the flower petals sprout every late spring.
Subaru: Yeah. I think it's peaceful, don't you think? No one to bother us here.
Kenichi: I agree...So, is there a girl you're interested in? Be honest.<blurts out randomly>
Subaru: D-DAD!
Kenichi: What! It's ok if you're not attracted to girls, Subaru. I won't judge...
Subaru: Dad... <(annoyed)> I'm not engrossed or intending to date anyone.
Kenichi: But, you do like someone. Right? I just want to learn more about my son's well-being. Is that so bad?
Subaru: No. <(exhales)>
Kenichi: Then, do you mind telling me? Who's this special "girl" in your life? Is she real?
Subaru: I would say "Yes"... but I can't find what's real about life anymore. Everything seems so different than I recall. Jiro & I would usually fight... kōtōgakkō was a pain in the ass, and you would lightly scold me.
Kenichi: Subaru, Never have I once scolded you for skipping kōtōgakkō. I was curious to see whether your opinions have changed until now.
Subaru: See. That's the thing. I don't think it ever will change.
Kenichi: What makes you say that?
Subaru: I- won't go back. Ever.
Kenichi: Why? You have so many friends there. They probably-
Subaru: Don't make it sound content, Dad. Because we both know you should've given me more support than just standby. <(rash)>
Kenichi: ....... <(silent)>
Subaru: I'm sorry, Dad. I'm such an idiot. What's the point of talking?
Kenichi: It ain't your fault, Subaru. I actually like this side of you. You're willing to open up with your mother & I based on how it is you feel about maturing. That's why we're having this discussion. Not mainly due to how entitled I was at your age. But, of the accomplishments you created by yourself. You & Your Brother bonded closer than I imagined. Life was never easy for either of you, but it does bring peace to my conscious to finally realized my sons are doing just fine. And that's why I'm proud of Subaru. You're stronger than I could ever dare hope to be. I wish I was like you.
Subaru: For my whole life, I began wondering what was it that I was lacking. And, finally, when I received my answer, it was too late. I honestly know that. I can't go back home. But, to be quite frank with you. I don't think I want to. Because, Dad... I finally found a reason to stay alive.
Kenichi: I'm truly blessed you feel that way, son. Now, tell me... does this veiled girl have a name? Please tell me she's not another pretend.
Subaru: Yes. She does. <(bold)>
Kenichi: Hmm? Oh! What is her name?! Come on! You can say it.
Subaru: It's Emilia. I am in love with... Emilia.
Kenichi: Aww! Wait till your mother hears about this.. Our son is in lov---
Subaru: DAD! <(blushing)>
Kenichi: Alright, alright. I'll stop teasing. Jeez. <(grins)>
Subaru: Has Jiro talked to you yet? During daybreak?
Kenichi: Sorta. But, he seems badly hurt by "something". Do you think he broke up with his girlfriend?
Subaru: N-N-No. I don't believe so. All of the girls think Jiro is good-looking like me. But, we're antisocial. A Hikikomori.
Kenichi: That's because you are. All you boys do is eat, sleep, watch anime, and play Minecraft.
Subaru: Also, true! Did he tell you where he went off to? I have to find him.
Kenichi: Yea. He's at the kōtōgakkō. Possibly.
Subaru: Great.
Kenichi: Still, this was my fault for not realizing that you thought so highly of your awesome dad. I really don't want to admit that's true, even though it is!
Subaru: Haha, yeah right Pops. Keep on dreaming! <(happy)>
Kenichi: I won't be able to make anything up to you before... I never see you again. I'm so sorry... I'm so sorry.
Subaru: I forgive you, guys. For everything. I can tell you tried your hardest to support me. Both You & Mom stayed right beside me. And I love you for that.
Kenichi: Tell Jiro I love him too, Subaru. I am the proudest father in the world. To have such a caring, devoted son is one of the fewest treasures I can ask for. Thank you, my son. For the times we've shared. I love you.
Timeskip: Talking to Mom
Jiro POV
Naoko: My dear, Where've you been? I've been looking around town, boy.
Jiro: I had to go to the academy and get extra credit. <(lies)>
Naoko: Don't lie to your Mother, Jiro. Speak truthfully.
Jiro: Yes, Ma'am.
Naoko: Now, I'll ask again. Where have you been?
Jiro: I went over to my--sister's house to see how she's doing?
Naoko: Oh. Well, then why did you go?
Jiro: I thought she was in trouble. And I was right. My biological dad is abusing her too. So, I put a stop to it.
Naoko: Please don't say you beat him up again. He might sue you, even if you are his son.
Jiro: No. Much worse. I threatened to call the Fu-keisatsu (the police) if he kept hitting her.
Naoko: At least violence wasn't necessary. <(pleased)>
Jiro: But, I should've break his nose, Mom. He deserves it. After what I saw over there is unforgivable.
Naoko: That isn't like you, Jiro. You're a better man than he'll ever be. So, prove him wrong.
Jiro: How? The guy would hardly listen to what I have to say. He's just like my--
Naoko: You don't have to go on, son. I'm still proud you've made a good choice. Recognize, real strength will not blatantly lie in one's arm muscles. But in the heart. That's how Kenichi won me over, and I hope you'll do the same thing once you bring home a wife and my grandkids. Promise me once you reach the end, you'll stay the same, handsome young man I raised. <(smiles)>
Jiro: MOM! <(gross)>
Naoko: What? That's how the cycle goes, Jiro. You'll find the right girl someday.
Jiro: What if-- <(pauses)> What if the girl I already dated before isn't interested in me anymore? Even though. I still want her.
Naoko: Alike all bad breakups, I suggest you move on-- <(stating)>
Jiro: See, the thing is I don't know if I want to. <(uncertain)>
Naoko: Are you saying you're planning on winning her back, Jiro? <(smug)>
Jiro: I guess. But, she's a complicated woman.
Naoko: All women are hard to read, Jiro. Try writing a poem. She will likely fall in love if you play the cards just right. <pats my face>
Jiro: Haha, thanks. <(chuckling)>
Naoko: You're shining beautifully as I remember, son. Keep smiling.
Subaru: Jiro... Mom...
Naoko: Speak of the Oni! Your slowpoke Brother has arrived at last.
Subaru: Hey there! Mom!
Naoko: What took so long, Subaru? You interrupted our "Goodbyes."
Subaru: Mom. I need your advice on something.
Naoko: Someone who isn't me or your father did something for you, didn't they? <(sweet)>
Subaru: Uh, yes.
Naoko: As long as you can smile when you're done, everything will be fine. What matters isn't how you start or what happens in the middle.
Subaru: But, I suffer everyday to save others. How am I going to start again?
Naoko: You'll find a way. You always do, Subaru. That's what makes you special. So, just proceed until you're self-satisfied with the ending.
Subaru: You mean as long as things turn out okay in the end, nothing else matters?
Naoko: Exactly. My sweet pea.
Subaru: Thank you, Mom. For everything.
-My brother said bringing her into an embrace, I kept crying like a brat. And yet, no one judged me.-
Naoko: Watch over your brother, Subaru Natsuki. I mean it.
Subaru: I promise. I love you.
Naoko: I love you too... Subaru... Jiro...
Naoko: Take care.