Ahmed's father and Mr. Haruki returned from the rooftop with quiet steps, as if a new secret was growing between them in the shadows. The two entered the living room where the two families were gathered around the breakfast table, the house filled with the aroma of hot bread, Adeni tea, and scattered laughter.
Ahmed sat next to Mrs. Sayuri, then turned to her with a slight tone of surprise in his voice:
"Madam Sayuri... Mr. Haruki told me you hate teenagers... so why don't you hate me too?"
Sayuri raised her eyebrow, then suddenly reached out and squeezed Ahmed's cheek tightly until his face flushed, saying in a stern but amusing tone:
"I hate Japanese teenagers... not you, Ahmed. You are a different case."
His heart felt relieved, and he breathed deeply while trying to hide the pain from the strong grip, so Mr. Haruki laughed and said:
"Be careful of her, Ahmed... she is still strong despite the years."
Everyone finished breakfast, and then Misaki quickly approached Ahmed, her eyes full of worry:
"Why were you late? I was so worried about you!"
Ahmed smiled reassuringly and said:
"First... I spoke with Mr. Haruki about us going to Socotra Island to spend our vacation all together. Second... we were delayed because of the preparation of the sniper site, and many of Mr. Haruki's gang members came to see the demonstration."
Misaki looked at him in astonishment:
"And you, what did you do in my absence?"
She replied with a gentle smile:
"I learned cooking with your mother... then she, your siblings, and I went to Bab Al-Yaman. It was a truly beautiful trip."
Ahmed laughed softly and said:
"Then... let's all get ready for the Socotra adventure!"
Suddenly, shouts of joy rose in the house; the children screaming with enthusiasm, and Haruki's five daughters:
Aiko – Yumi – Haruka – Emi – Sakura
were chatting with Ahmed's brothers:
Khaled – Samer – Adnan – Qusai – Raed
And the laughter intertwined as if the house was filled with a small festival.
Bringing the Bus
Mr. Haruki went out with Ahmed's father, and Ahmed's father said:
"We will go get a Hiace bus... it's the most suitable for a large family like this."
🔹 Information about the Bus (Hiace) — as requested:
* A type of Japanese medium-sized bus.
* It accommodates from 12 to 15 passengers.
* Known for its strength on long roads and climbing mountains.
* Suitable for travel between provinces and rural roads.
* It is used by many people in Yemen for family trips and group travel.
They drove off to bring the bus, while Ahmed stayed at home.
Ahmed and Misaki... and the Family's Laughter
Ahmed sat talking with Misaki in a corner of the living room. Their conversation was quiet, soft, carrying a light tone of happiness.
Misaki was asking him about the trip, and he was explaining the details of Socotra to her—the beauty of the sea, the beaches, and the valleys—as if painting a picture with his words.
But the rest of the family did not miss this scene.
Ahmed's mother, Sayuri, Haruki, and Ahmed's father stood watching them from afar... then Ahmed's father said audibly:
"Masha'Allah (As God willed)... a couple talking as if they are in a romantic series!"
Ahmed's eyes widened, and his face flushed with embarrassment.
Sayuri followed mockingly:
"What is this harmony?! Should we leave you alone or what?"
Everyone laughed, then Ahmed's mother said in a playful tone:
"May God help you, Ahmed, it seems she will never leave you."
Misaki suddenly approached, clasped Ahmed's arm in front of everyone, and said boldly:
"Yes... he is the best husband."
At that, Ahmed burst into embarrassment... he quickly stood up and fled to the rooftop, covering his face with both hands, while the entire family exploded with laughter.
Even Haruki's children were shouting:
"Ah-med, Ah-med... he ran away!"
And the house remained filled with laughter until Ahmed's father and Mr. Haruki returned with the bus, and the family began preparing for the big trip... the trip to Socotra Island.