The quiet air in the storage room hung thick. Dust drifted through the faint light slipping in from a narrow crack above the door. The smell of varnished wood mixed with a mild metallic scent rising from the old sports equipment.
Sachiko sat on the floor with her knees slightly lifted, her arms resting around them without tension. She turned her head toward Tetsuo. He sat with his back against the wall, his gaze lowered toward the floor, his shoulders still. A small tremor moved through her breath as she began to speak.
"Of course… when I got home that day, I wanted to see you and your sister." Her fingers pressed lightly against her lap, the tension shifting in small movements. "But… I couldn't. I couldn't find the courage. The way you looked at me back then… it was quiet, almost empty. I didn't understand why, so I thought maybe I should give you some space."
Tetsuo kept his gaze on the floor. His fingers moved just slightly, a subtle shift against the surface beneath them.
Sachiko's gaze dropped, her voice low but steady. "Then… the next morning, when I woke… you were gone. You and your sister—gone from the dollhouse without a single trace." Her lips pressed together for a moment. "When Haruko found out, she cried all day."
Her shoulders shifted slightly. "I felt responsible. But… she did not dwell on it for long. She started practicing basketball."
A brief pause passed as she drew in a slow breath. "She trained hard… hoping that one day she might see you again, even if it meant following a dream our parents never approved of."
Her voice sank a little more. "And… I never once tried to take her side."
Her heartbeat pressed softly against her ears. She turned her gaze slightly, watching for any sign of Tetsuo's reaction.
"Honestly…" She swallowed, feeling dryness in her throat. "I was surprised when you said you heard me… saying those awful things about you. I know… it must have hurt." Her fingers rested lightly on her chest, shifting just a little. "If you do not want to speak to me again… I would understand. But… please."
Her voice trembled slightly, quiet and uneven.
"Please… listen. I want to explain. You… only heard half of it. After that… you can decide what to do."
Tetsuo shifted slightly, his hands resting lightly on his knees.
"It was… really a misunderstanding." Her words came a little faster, as if she feared being interrupted. "I know I said those awful things. But… I also told them…No matter how much I wanted to look down on you, to dislike you… I could not. Because you and your sister were kind to me. Truly kind. Not because of my father's position. Just… because I was myself."
She pressed her lips together and blinked rapidly, a brief shiver running through her shoulders.
"That day… I actually stopped being friends with them. We argued… Because you—" Her voice trembled slightly, cracking. "—you really made me happy. I did not want to lose you or Usagi. But… I lost you both anyway. And I did not even understand why. I was… very hurt that you left without saying goodbye."
Her tears ran slowly down her cheeks, catching the faint light.
Across from her, Tetsuo exhaled slowly, his face still, unreadable. A quiet breath left him before he spoke, his tone low.
"…Now… I feel foolish. For ignoring you all this time."
He remained still, his posture calm, betraying nothing.
Sachiko blinked, lifting her gaze toward him.
"On the first day of school," he continued, his voice quieter now, "when I was walking with my sister… I saw you." He paused for a moment, his eyes not leaving the floor. "I… recognized you immediately, but…"
Sachiko's breath caught faintly.
Tetsuo's voice was low, calm, even. "No… I suppose I held a grudge without realizing it. I am glad we have cleared this… but you were a little too late. Perhaps… if it had been sooner, I would be different, or my sister… might have been happier."
His hands curled slightly into loose fists.
"What I want to say…" His voice was low, even. "I ignored you without fully understanding the situation. That was… immature." He lowered his head slightly, letting the pause carry the meaning.
Sachiko's tear-streaked face softened slightly. She wiped her cheeks with the back of her hands and let out a quiet laugh, shaking a little with lingering emotion.
"It's strange… that someone like you… so calm, so distant, with no concern for anyone's feelings… can actually… say something like that."
Tetsuo blinked, his expression still calm, a faint shift in his shoulders the only sign of reaction. A quiet snort escaped him. "…That was unnecessary." His voice remained low, measured. "I meant what I said. I will… try to treat you better. And… speak with you more."
Sachiko's lips lifted slightly into a faint smile. She nodded once. "Yes… that would be good."
The two sat quietly. Minutes passed in silence. The faint hum of the school's ventilation filled the storage room.
Sachiko suddenly sneezed, the movement making her flinch slightly. She cupped her hands and breathed into them. "Ah… it's really cold in here, isn't it?" She rubbed her arms lightly and drew them closer to her body, curling inward to keep warm.
Tetsuo stood and, without a word, unzipped his PE jacket. He draped it over Sachiko's shoulders carefully, his hands moving slowly.
Sachiko looked up, slightly startled, a faint blush rising on her cheeks. "Thank you… but… aren't you cold too? Why don't we… share it?"
Tetsuo lowered himself back onto the floor, his expression calm. "I'm fine." His voice was flat. "Do not worry about me."
A quiet sneeze escaped him, and he shifted slightly, settling back against the wall.
"Come on… quit acting so serious." Sachiko's fingers gripped the edge of the jacket and tugged it over both of them. She slid a little closer. "Let's share it."
Tetsuo remained still for a moment, his posture calm, unreadable.
Sachiko's cheeks warmed. Wait… what am I thinking? He is too close…
She felt the faint heat from his shoulder against her own. Her heartbeat pressed heavily in her chest. If I do not calm down… he might notice…
Before either of them could move, the door creaked. A sudden beam of light from a flashlight hit their faces.
A deep voice came from the doorway. The floor creaked lightly under the weight of footsteps. His eyes widened slightly as he looked at them. "Hey… are you both alright? It's already eleven at night. Why… are you here so late… and so close like this?"
Sachiko's body stiffened, her hands tightening lightly at her sides.
The man stepped inside, one eyebrow lifting slowly. "Seriously… in the storage room?"
Sachiko sprang to her feet, her cheeks warming. She pressed her hands briefly to her chest. "I-… it's not what it looks like!"
Tetsuo rose calmly, brushing dust off his pants. His expression remained neutral. "We… accidentally got locked in."
The coach nodded slowly, a small exhale escaping his lips. "Oh… I see. Well… I am glad I came by. Otherwise, you two might have spent the whole night here." He glanced toward the tracks. "And… I doubt any trains are running this late. I'll give you a ride. How far… do you both live from here?"
Sachiko shifted slightly, her fingers brushing against the edge of the jacket. "Only… one train away."
Tetsuo glanced toward the main school building in the distance. His steps were slow and measured as he started walking. "I… will get my bag."
"Wait… for me!" Sachiko's footsteps quickened as she hurried after him.
Minutes later, they reached the coach's small car. She slid inside, the faint scent of upholstery and leather surrounding her. Tetsuo followed, settling beside her, his posture straight, hands resting lightly on his lap.
The engine started, sending a low vibration through the car. The soft hum of tires on asphalt filled the space.
Tetsuo reached to pull down the window, resting one hand on the doorframe. A cool breeze brushed his hair, lifting a few strands. He stared out at the passing streets, expression unreadable.
Sachiko's gaze shifted to him, her fingers brushing against the edge of the seat as she watched him. What did… he mean by I was too late? Her lips pressed into a thin line. She shifted slightly in her seat, a faint tension rising in her shoulders. I… do know anything about him. But… I want to know it all.
The quiet rhythm of the ride stretched between them.
Sachiko's body bent slightly forward in a small bow, her fingers brushing lightly against her knees. "Thank you… for dropping us off, and… for saving us."
The coach adjusted the rearview mirror, his fingers brushing lightly against its edge. "Hey… do not worry about it. Just… make sure you two get home safely, alright?"
The car moved forward quietly. The soft hum of the tires rolling along the dimly lit street filled the space between them.
Tetsuo slid his hands into his pockets, his posture relaxed. "Come… I will walk you home."
Sachiko paused for a moment, her fingers brushing lightly against the edge of his jacket. She nodded slowly and fell into step behind him.
The night was cool. The faint chirp of crickets echoed between the houses. After several minutes of walking in silence, Sachiko drew in a slow breath, her fingers brushing against the strap of her bag.
"…Kawaguchi..." Her voice was soft, careful.
He glanced at her sideways, his expression unreadable.
"Tell me… what happened to you and your little sister… after you left our house?"
Tetsuo did not respond. His gaze stayed forward, his steps even and steady.
Sachiko's fingers tightened lightly around the strap of her bag. She drew in a quiet breath and tried again. "…After you disappeared… how did you two manage on your own?"
A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the faint sound of their footsteps on the pavement.
Finally, Tetsuo exhaled, his breath slow and even. His steps did not falter as he spoke. "It… is all just a blur. I would like to leave it that way." His gaze remained forward. "But one thing… Usagi… she got the life she deserved." He paused, the quiet night around them stretching between his words. "Maybe… one day, I will tell you. But… for now…" His voice dropped slightly. "…I guess that'll have to wait."
Sachiko's gaze lowered. "I see… I understand. I… shouldn't have asked."
They continued walking until they reached her modest two-story house.
Tetsuo paused just outside the gates, his eyes on the small dollhouse beyond. Grass and vines had grown around it, and the boards looked old. His lips parted slightly as he recalled the time he had spent there with his sister.
Sachiko glanced at him, a faint smile touching her lips. "Brings back memories, doesn't it?"
He remained silent.
"I… thank you for walking me home." She shifted slightly, then carefully removed the jacket and handed it back to him. "Oh… and thank you for lending this."
Tetsuo turned toward the street without another word, his steps steady as he walked away.
Sachiko's eyebrow twitched faintly. She drew in a quiet breath. …Jeez. Is he really going to keep his word and be… nice to me? She muttered the thought under her breath, shifting slightly as she turned toward the gate.
Meanwhile, upstairs in the house, Haruko sat by her window, eyes following the two outside. She let out a soft exhale and rose slowly, moving to her bed. She sat down, fingers interlacing over her folded hands, then lifted her gaze to the ceiling. Her shoulders relaxed slightly, yet a distant tension lingered as her thoughts wandered.
I remember that cold winter day…
"Big brother… over here!" Usagi's small hands waved eagerly as she ran to the corner of the yard.
Tetsuo's lips lifted slightly as he tossed the basketball toward her. "Here… catch it, Usagi."
The ball landed in her arms, and she held it close, her face lighting up. "Yay… I caught it!"
"Good… now pass it back."
"Alright… here goes—catch, Tetsuo!" Usagi's boots crunched in the snow as she tossed the ball with all her strength.
Tetsuo caught it with one hand, a faint smile lifting his lips, and tossed it back.
The throw was a little too strong. As Tetsuo reached for it, the ball veered and bumped gently against Usagi's forehead. Her eyes widened, and tears quickly gathered at the corners.
Tetsuo crouched beside her, his posture calm. His thumb pressed lightly to the red spot on her forehead. "I… I'm sorry, Usagi. Does it hurt? You… will be alright."
Haruko stepped inside and paused, her eyes taking in the scene. Tetsuo crouched beside his sister, one hand resting lightly on her head, his voice low and steady.
Noticing Haruko, he rose slowly. "Haru… you're home early." His tone remained calm, but his hand lingered briefly on Usagi's shoulder, warm and steady.
Haruko looked away, a faint blush rising on her cheeks as the cold air brushed past. She reached up and tucked a strand of wind-tangled hair behind her ear. "That's… because classes ended early."
Tetsuo's gaze lingered on her, calm and steady. "I see… then that explains it…"
Tetsuo's lips parted slightly. "Ah… that's right… Haru."
Haruko blinked, her hands gripping the hem of her sweater. She tilted her head slightly, curiosity mixed with a touch of nervousness. "What… is it?"
Tetsuo stepped back, dribbling the basketball between his legs with calm, even movements. "Since you're here… I'll show you something. You've wanted to see me do this up close for a long time… but… you were too shy to ask."
Haruko's eyes widened, a small gasp escaping her lips. Her hands lifted a little, fingers twitching. "Wow… that… that was amazing! I've never… seen anyone do that!"
Tetsuo's lips curved into a small grin. His fingers adjusted slightly on the basketball. "You… really think that was amazing? Wait… until you see this."
He spun the ball on his index finger, motion calm and precise, the rubber rolling smoothly in place.
Usagi clapped her small hands together, her eyes wide. "My… big brother is… amazing!"
Haruko stepped a little closer, her fingers brushing against the edge of her sleeve. "Who… taught you?"
Tetsuo shrugged lightly, his eyes fixed on the spinning ball. "I… honestly don't remember. All I know… is that I can do it." He tilted his head slightly, lips parting just enough. "But… it is… amazing, isn't it?"
Haruko's eyes widened, a small laugh escaping her lips. Her hands lifted slightly. "Yes… it really is! I… I want to play basketball too!"
Tetsuo's lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze calm on her. "Of course… you can. With hard work… and patience… you will become the best."
Usagi tugged lightly at Tetsuo's arm, her small hands gripping his jacket. "Wait… where's Sachi?"
Haruko stepped closer, her fingers fidgeting slightly. "She joined a club… so she'll be home late today."
Tetsuo's lips curved slightly. "I see… well, then I'll go meet her. Come on, Usagi… let's go."
Usagi's eyes brightened, and she bounced lightly on her feet.
Tetsuo's gaze stayed forward as he began walking toward the gate. "We… will be right back, okay?"
Haruko watched them walk away, her small hands resting on her knees as she remained still.
Back in her room, she lay on her back on the bed, her wrist flicking lightly, mimicking a basketball shot. Her eyes followed the imagined arc.
That… was the last time I saw him… Tetsu-kun. Could Tetsuo really be… that same boy…?
The next morning arrived.
The sky was pale blue, streaked with thin white clouds drifting slowly. Sachiko walked to school with a lighter step than usual, her hands brushing against her sides as she moved. Her chest lifted slightly with a quiet, steady warmth.
We… finally talked. I… really understood him a little. Maybe… we can be close again. Maybe… even more than before…
She spotted Tetsuo up ahead, his familiar figure moving steadily along the sidewalk. Her chest lifted a little, and her steps quickened.
She caught up to him, a small, bright smile on her lips. "Good morning… Kawaguchi."
But Tetsuo kept walking, his gaze fixed straight ahead. He made no movement to acknowledge her.
Sachiko slowed and stopped, her lips tightening slightly. Her chest sank as a quiet weight settled in her shoulders. Nothing's changed… I thought he would… at least…
Just then, Tetsuo slowed his steps. He shifted slightly, enough that his voice reached her. "…Good morning…"
Then he turned forward again, continuing along the sidewalk.
Sachiko remained still for a moment, eyes following his back. A faint smile touched her lips.
I see… it's not that he isn't trying. He's just… doing it at his own pace.
She let out a quiet exhale and resumed walking. I'll give him enough space… and wait for him.