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It was 7:20 AM. Seiji taps on the envelope in a tiny but nervous fit. On the letter, it had his sister Rin’s address in a surprisingly fancy font. His right hand, his demon right hand, was standing up on the pristine, crystal clear island counter. His left hand was holding the envelope. Seiji was staring at it real good with his right eyebrow up and the other down. Seiji was worried about what could possibly be in the envelope. “Please don’t tell me she got herself in a fistfight again and is asking me to help her this time. She’s gotta be, what, in her 40s now? I and her are too old to be fighting.” He thought to himself before letting out a calm yet still worried sigh.
“Seiji-kun.” The blond former fighter hears a mature but still high-pitched voice from the entrance to the kitchen. He turns his head to see a lovely individual had teal hair and ocean-colored eyes. Next to her was her and Seiji’s son Itsuki, who had the exact same hair color as his mother, although he has his father’s eyes which were the color of a crispy dark chocolate cookie. “Seiji-kun, is something wrong?” Midori asked as her worry began to grow.
“Yeah,” Seiji began. “my sister sent me a letter and I’m worried that she got herself in an incident that could’ve been easily avoided.” Seiji’s face now had a look of both concern and annoyance.
“Wait, she didn’t email you? She just sent you a letter by paper instead?” Midori asked, her face now having a look of confusion.
“That’s exactly what I was thinking.” Seiji replied. “Guess she likes to do things the old-fashioned way sometimes.” He said as he shrugged.
Midori looked down at the sliver-tinted floor, trying to come up with an appropriate response. “Well, it’s nice that she contacted you! At least she’s not neglecting you.” She said after a few seconds of staring at the floor of sliver concrete.
“Yeah, but I’m not sure if her writing to me will really be worth it.” Seiji responded with tiredness in his voice. He then made the eventual decision to open up the envelope and read the letter inside of it. Before he did that however, Midori told him one more thing.
“Keiko’s still asleep in her room.” Keiko was the younger daughter of Midori and Seiji. She was born on April 11, 2015, unlike her elder brother whose birthdate was June 24, 2011. He was also opposing with her brother in terms of looks. She had the same golden blonde hair of her father yet had her mother’s aqua-colored eyes.
“Really? Huh, she’s usually up by now. Didn’t expect her to sleep past 7:00. Oh well, you can just wake her up at 8.” Seiji replied. Midori nodded in response as she and Itsuki walked off.
Seiji sighed one last time. He tore open the top of the envelope and unfolded the letter. He read the letter quietly to himself.
“Hey little bro! How’s life going for ya? How’s Midori and the kids? Boy let me tell you, things are been going crazy for me. Well for one, I’m gonna be limiting my alcohol intake. No I’m not going sober, I just want to control my life a little safer. I’m 42 (almost 43!) now, so I feel now is the best time to actually start being an adult, you know? I just started dating this guy named Kaiji, pretty handsome guy. He’s got some big muscles but he’s also pretty sweet (though not over the top sweet). He’s a pretty big breath of fresh air from all the tough, careless and ready-to-fight guys I’ve dated. By the way, you know how I said I would be limiting my alcohol drinking? Well that doesn’t mean my days as a waitress at a bar are over. I may not be so drunk anymore, but you’re damn right I’m still partying and going crazy at bars. It’s getting kinda boring these days but who knows? Maybe one day God will give me another
idea to spice up my life. I’ll keep in touch with you when more things start rolling into my life.
Sincerely, your big sis Rin.
P.S., please have Midori and the kids come visit! I promise I’m getting better with kids.”
Seiji grew a medium-sized smile on his face. He didn’t expect that to happen when it came to his sister, and he didn’t even seem to notice it himself, it just came naturally. “Huh, I guess people like my own sister, former leader of her own darn gang, can mature.” He thought to himself.
He decided to look for Midori then. He decided to look upstairs since she must have considered waking Keiko for the day. Sure enough, that was exactly what she was doing. He found her gently shaking their daughter, who was sleeping like a sheep, to wake her up. “Keiko-chan, it’s time to wake up. We have to go see a movie at 9:30.”
That got the girl to wake up immediately. Her chocolate chip eyes sparkled at what her mother just said. “Yay!!!! We’re going to see Samurai Robots part 2!”
“Oh yeah! We WERE going to see a movie today!” Seiji replied. “And it’s the second installment to one of the greatest movies ever made.”
Seiji had a big grin on his face, which had no terrifying factor like his other smiles. “Shall we get ready?”
“Yes!”
…….
Everyone in the Sawamura family seemed to have the same opinion on the action-packed, adventure-filled Eastern film that is Samurai Robots 2. Well, all except Midori.
“Oh man, did you see the way they SLAYED with those swords?” Keiko exclaimed. “They went like, “ swoosh! Swoosh!”. It was so awesome!”
“Yes!” Seiji replied. “The robots themselves looked cool too. Their swords were honestly the best thing about them!”
Itsuki chimed in on the conversation. “For me my favorite character was Okio. He was NOT putting up with anyone’s nonsense and him calling out everyone’s crazy thoughts was so entertaining to watch.”
“Oh yeah, him too.” Seiji replied. “Like come on, just chill out and have fun for once!”
“Hey mom,” Keiko asked. “who was your favorite character?”
“O-oh, uh, I don’t have a favorite character. I can’t answer that…” Midori replied.
“Oh, yeah. You’ve never really been into action-packed, shonen-like media.” Seiji replied. “I don’t understand why you were so willing to come.”
“Well, yeah that’s true…but I went anyway because I always enjoy spending time with you and the kids Seiji-kun! I thought it would be a good bonding opportunity.” Midori said.
Seiji beamed at Midori’s response. Despite not being the most extroverted person in the world, she still really enjoyed hanging out with people, especially her family and that was one of the main reasons why Seiji loved her so much. She was almost as outgoing as him despite how soft-spoken she was. “Ah, Midori. You’re so outgoing. I love that about you.”
Midori felt the smile that reached upon her face. God, Seiji made her blush more than anyone else in this world. She loved it and loved him.
Before they could continue their walk though, they heard a familiar voice. A masculine voice at that. “Midori-chan! Seiji-kun!”
They looked straight forward to find a brunette-haired young man with innocent brown eyes, a bunny’s eyes is what he had.
“Kouta-kun!” Midori exclaimed.
Inside of the local coffee shop, Kouta told them all about his life currently, including the fact that just 4 years ago, in 2018, he and wife, a bright and cheerful woman named Yukari, finally managed to have a baby after trying and failing for so long.
“Wow! That’s amazing Kouta-kun!” Midori exclaimed her face as giddy as a young child.
“Yeah, it really is.” Seiji replied. “Are you comfortable sharing any information about them?”
Kouta blushed, it had been so long since he had seen Midori and Seiji, so he had never given info about his little bundle of joy to them before. He knew they meant absolutely no harm though, so he decided to share away, just enough. “W-well, it’s a boy. His name’s Daisuke, meaning love…because that’s something I truly believe in.” His blushing increased. “He has blue eyes, brown hair, and the most beautiful smile Yukari and me have ever seen.” He began thinking about his little angel again, hoping that one day, just one day, Midori and Seiji will come to visit.
“Can we come meet him? It will also be a perfect opportunity to meet up with you again!”
Perfect timing. “O-oh…well…yes! Yes absolutely.” Kouta replied with a shy but moderately large smile. He felt accomplished as a parent, as much as Seiji and Midori did.
Midori reached out and grabbed Kouta’s hand, then she held it as tightly yet gently. “I’m so proud of you, Kouta-kun.” Midori’s voice was as tender as an angel in up in the heavens.
“Hey Midori, you’re not making any moves on Kouta are you?” Seiji asked ever so abruptly.
“W-what?! No, Seiji-kun!” Midori exclaimed as she jumped in surprise. Kouta didn’t do anything except change his reaction to a look of surprise.
“Haha, I’m just kidding.” Seiji followed that statement up with a reassuring smile.
Then all of a sudden, Seiji’s phone rang. It was a text from Shuichi, who had moved out of Japan and into Korea a few years back to not only get away from the crazy girl who was chasing him all these years, but also to expand his career as a doll-maker, maybe even start his own company. The text read, “Phew! I made practically a buck trying to sell my beloved dolls. I eventually ran out but I still made a ton! I had no idea people here liked my dolls so much!”
Seiji had a look of proudness at this text. He was glad that Shuichi had finally calmed down about his obsession but still had a passion for dolls. “Are you sure you don’t wanna come back to Japan? Midori and I kinda miss seeing you physically.”
It was true too. Even though the dude was constantly running all over the place, begging people to buy his dolls while also worrying about the even more cuckoo former girl of his dreams, Seiji and Midori kinda missed his chaotic nature, making their days go upside down and even more interesting. All this thinking made Seiji get an idea. An idea to visit someone whom he hadn’t talked to in so long, even longer than Kouta. Someone who, even to this day, held him very close to their heart…
Then in the midst of all this thinking, Seiji got a text which made him chuckle slightly to himself. “NO WAY MAN! No way am I going back to that insane lady!”
……..
Down the street had a rather fancy-looking house, decorated with delicate windows and a brown like a horse paint job. Seiji rang the doorbell, and a minute later came out a familiar face. She had beautiful but sharp brown eyes, a delicate face and the same hairstyle she had as the harsh high schooler she once was.
“S-Seiji?” Was all she could say in a gentle, somewhat timid tone.
Seiji gave a genuine smile. “Hello Ayase.”
As Ayase let Seiji inside her house, he began to notice just how fancy the place truly was. Ayase had an antique closet, tinted kitchen windows and an angelic symbol on her door. “Woah, this is all so sophisticated. Where did you get the money to pay for all these?” He asked.
“I have a well-paying job as a Japanese teacher.” She replied.
“You’re a teacher? Huh, I’m surprised.”
“Yeah, I honestly thought I would make it big as a model. But the more I think about it, Hollywood business sounds like hell to be in so I’m taking it easy.” Ayase shrugged.
“Understandable.” Seiji sat down opposite of the table Ayase was sitting at. The first thing he noticed was a volume of Paradise Kiss. Ayase noticed Seiji was examining it and gave a soft smile.
“That’s my copy of the third volume of Paradise Kiss. It’s one of my favorite Josei manga series, along with Pet Shop of Horrors, Happy Marriage?! and Honey and Clover. I also used to really like Usagi Drop before the last few chapters. Those were awful.” Ayase looked up and saw Seiji sitting there non-annoyed.. Despite that she nervously said, “I said too much, didn’t I?”
“Nah,” Seiji replied. “I’m happy seeing you be so passionate about your interests.” That phrase itself made Ayase beam.
It had been so long since she had seen Seiji and while he still radiated a ton of tough energy, he also seemed to be more mature and calm all at the same time, further adding to his charm. Ayase then thought of something to change the subject to.
“So um how are you and Midori doing? Your kids, your friends, how they are doing?”
“Oh us? We’re doing okay and so are our kids. We’re gonna be kinda busy this week so there’s that. My sis is trying to limit her drug addiction, Kouta had a kid with his wife and seemingly plans to have another. Shuichi moved outta Japan and into Korea to further expand his doll making career, Miyahara still’s living here but he’s pretty busy with his job and kids and everything. I really wish his boss would go easier on him. I’ll bet he’s real burnt out.”
“And your neighbor. You know, that girl who looked like she was in elementary school last time I saw her?”
“Oh you mean Shiori.”
“Y-yeah.”
“Ah, she grew up and fell in love in high school, tried to confess to the boy of her dreams but with little success, then finally she confessed to him and are now dating. They actually don’t live too far from here, but I’ve never really visited them. Maybe I should though…” Seiji’s face had a look of pondering.
“It’s never too late to check up on her and see how she’s doing.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Seiji had a content facial expression. It really was never too late to check up on an old neighbor to see how much they’ve matured, especially one like Shiori. “Are you married?” That question just popped out of nowhere.
“I used to, but we’re divorced now. It’s for a few reasons but mainly because my husband kept bugging me for kids, even though I clearly told him multiple times I don’t want any. Even though I love kids, I don’t think I can afford to pay for them.”
Seiji took her last sentence into consideration, then finally said, “Y’know, it’s never too late to visit us and our kids. My kids would really like you.”
“R-really?”
Seiji titled his head slightly up and down as to make a nod. “Really.”
Ayase thought about it for a little bit. Is it true, would Seiji’s kids actually like her? Would she be fun, interesting and kind to them?
Seiji then reached into his reusable store bag. “Oh, I almost forgot. Midori baked some cookies but none of us want the rest of them. So I decided to give them to you.” He gave Ayase the box of four cookies.
Ayase looked at the cookies. Such colorful frosting, delicately placed sprinkles, brown like a bark tree cookie. They looked so weirdly delicious. She looked at Seiji, her chocolate chip-colored eyes all big. “Thank you, Seiji.”
Seiji looked up her with a beaming smile. “It’s my pleasure.”
At last, it was time to leave. “Hey um, Seiji?”
“Hm?”
“C-can I visit you and your family when you’re not busy? Like maybe next week or something?” Ayase wasn’t hoping she wasn’t bugging him, and Seiji let her knew she wasn’t. He put his hand on her shoulder and told her, “That sounds great.” That made Ayase so happy, it made her feel like she won a million dollars.
After they said their goodbyes, Seiji turned around to say one last thing to Ayase. “Midori says hi.”
Ayase took a moment to process that statement and then said, “Tell her I say hi back!” In truth, Ayase now officially held the belief that Seiji and Midori made more of a cuter couple than she and Seiji ever would’ve been, and she was glad things were the way they were now.
……
8:00 at night. The unlikely couple are in their room, in bed. Midori was wearing a nightgown pink as a princess, while Seiji was wearing ordinary green pajamas. Midori had just finished reading “Guess How Much I Love You” to Keiko, who hadn’t grown out of bedtime stories ye unlike Itsuki. Midori really loved that book, so being able to read it to her daughter made her so joyous. Right now however, Midori had a look of concern on her face and had no idea how to approach Seiji about it. Finally, she looked at her husband and asked, “Seiji-kun, do you think we are going to be able to handle the busy week we’re going to have?”
Seiji shifted his harsh eyes toward his wife and gave his reply. “Eh, it’s all relatively harmless stuff. I’m sure we’ll be able to handle it.” He then gave a thoughtful look, thinking about all the things they WERE going to do that week. “I mean we have the kids’ doctor appointment on Monday, Itsuki’s dentist appointment on Tuesday, MY doctor appointment on Thursday, Keiko’s play on Friday…okay maybe we’ll be a little busy, but it’ll actually become fun by Friday. Trust me.” Seiji gave Midori a very comforting smile.
Midori gave her usually sweet and adorable smile. “Thank you, Seiji-kun.”
“Night Midori.” Seiji said as he proceeded to lay down on his side of the bed.
“Good night, Seiji-kun.” Midori then proceeded to flip on over to her side. Just as she was about to fall asleep though, Seiji turned over to her side and put his harsh yet comfy arm around her. He whispered something that made Midori feel even happier.
“I love you, Midori.”
Midori blushed, her face as red as a rose. Her smile expanding from cheek to cheek, ear to ear. She knew she had to let Seiji know she felt the exact same way.
“I love you too, Seiji-kun.”