Chapter 33 : Hitting Rock Bottom in Nakameguro… and Meeting Her
After all, here we are... Nakameguro Station.
Sitting on a concrete bench, surrounded by the endless hustle of a city that never seems to stop, while our hopes barely manage to hold on.
No money.
No direction.
And no clear idea how to find the way to Uke Mochi.
I sighed deeply. I felt the weight of my own mistakes pressing down on my shoulders like an immovable slab.
"I'm a complete failure, aren't I, Grandpa...? I couldn't even take a single step forward. I let myself get dragged back into my old life. I forgot everything I promised when I left the Hanabira family's farm. And now... now I have Ailany and Kaori-san with me... and I dragged them into this pathetic mess."
I clenched my fists tightly. I was so angry at myself I wanted to hit something.
"When are you going to grow up, Haruki?"
—I think... we should figure out what to do next — I muttered, my gaze fixed on the dirty ground of the station.
The silence that followed didn't last long.
—This is all your fault, Kaori. —Ailany's voice trembled, not with fear, but with contained anger—. You told us we were just going to look for some money. But you manipulated Haruki into staying longer. And because of that... he spent all the money you gave him.
—You think it's my fault? —Kaori's voice sharpened, her eyes shining with a mix of rage and sadness—. You were the one who talked about some supposed town in Tokyo that could be the gateway to Uke Mochi. And what did we find? Nothing! Absolutely nothing!
—I...! —Ailany bit her teeth in frustration—. It was a mistake, I know. My grandparents never really explained how this "feeling" the place thing worked.
—And... if I changed it was because I thought... that Haruki would like it. My friends said if I looked more "urban," he... he would fall for me even more...
—And where are your friends now, huh? Tell me. —Kaori shot her a piercing look—. Because I don't see any. They all just used you to get money out of you. This is Tokyo, Ailany. Not your little fairy tale town.
—Enough! —I shouted, not caring if people at the station started staring—. Both of you, enough already!
The only one to blame here... is me. I let myself get carried away. And now we're like this.
I'm sorry.
—Mostly you, Kaori-san... you lost all your money because of me. If you hadn't chosen me, your brothers wouldn't have taken your inheritance...
—You're choosing her...? —Ailany's voice cracked. She looked down, eyes on the verge of tears—. Don't you think it hurt me to leave my grandparents? Don't you think I'm ashamed we're like this?
—But sure... you say "mostly Kaori-san," as if I don't matter...
—That wasn't my intention...! I'm sorry, Ailany.
—You know what? Forget it. I don't want to talk to either of you.
"Great..."
"Just what I needed. Her getting mad at me. Seriously... will I ever do anything right?"
I ran my hand through my hair, trying to sort out my thoughts, but only managed to tangle them even more.
—Haruki... —Kaori whispered. She moved closer to me, her face apologetic—. Sorry. It was my fault too. I brought you back to Tokyo... to your old apartment.
I just wanted you to feel like this was your home again. To remember what it was like to have a life here.
I thought maybe you'd realize you didn't need to go to Uke Mochi.
—It's okay. Don't blame yourself anymore.
I let myself get carried away too. I was happy. I had my old life... and you two were there.
For a moment I thought that was enough.
Maybe that's why all this happened. Maybe it's a punishment... for forgetting what matters most.
—Then all three of you are to blame —a female voice suddenly interrupted, floating lightly in the station breeze.
We all turned, surprised.
There she was.
A girl I didn't know... but Ailany did.
Dark brown hair, short and straight, with bangs that framed her face delicately. She wore a thick burgundy sweater with slouchy shoulders, the long sleeves almost covering her hands, giving her a warm and casual vibe.
She paired it with high-waisted denim shorts that contrasted with the softness of her top. Her style seemed carefree... but there was something about her. Something I couldn't quite define.
Something that carried the weight of a new chapter.
—Aisha...? —Ailany whispered, barely breathing—. What... are you doing here?