Archive of Our Own ^beta

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Sunny hears the monotone and familiar voice, and wakes up to see the ever familiar white space of…… well, he already said what the place's name was. Being here now. Sunny realizes just how unnerving and empty white space was. Did he truly, really spend most of his life laying in this place in his sleep?! Did he truly wast 4 years of his life, school, and stuff that would help develop him as a person just so he could lay in a white room filled with no o-

“Meow. (Rude, I’m someone)” Oh, right, Mewo was in Whitespace too, how rude of him! Speaking of…… he’s hoping Mewo is okay, the last time he saw him was shortly before he last saw his mom leaving for Japan. Was she in Hinata house? We’re the tenants treating her well? He can only hope they were.

He hears a strange noise a short distance away… rather strange, he thought, but it was probably nothing… is what he would’ve thought until he saw Mewo was suddenly gone, and taking a peak to the source of the noise, he saw several crimson red arms suddenly appear. Sunny does the only reasonable thing and runs away in fear, as he sees the white space turn a crimson red, as he can hear distorted yelling and crying from his friends

No matter how fast Sunny runs, it appears the hands move on the ground faster than he does, and quickly enough, the hands grab onto Sunny, their grip causing a great deal of pain to him. As he pointlessly struggles from their tightening grip, he hears a booming, anger-filled, yet all too familiar voice. 

“Stay away. Stay away! STAY AWAY!” Was all the voices said, as he could feel himself tearing up from fear and pain. “Why…? Why won’t you FALL!?”

—

As Sunny was about to cry, he woke up startled…seeing that his vision was now normal and with only one eye again. He can see he was in a train, one that was likely moving to Hinata town. As the train car was partly empty and the few on it were concerned with their daily lives over some kid, the only person who acknowledged his loud awakening was Haruka.

“You alright kid? Didn’t seem like you had a good sleep.” 

“Yeah… I just had a nightmare, one I’d rather not talk about.” 

“‘Kay then. Just know I’m all ears, okay?” Sunny nods in response to her, as he looks outside to see the train passing through some thick fog. As he looked into the fog, he could see many small, Japanese-styled buildings, as well as more modern ones and possibly the ocean too. 

“Hmm… is the town usually this foggy?” 

“It’s half and half. Some days there’s little to no fog, and on others there’s a load of it around. It makes the town look scenic, don’t you think?” Sunny nods in agreement.

“That, or it makes it look like Silent Hill?” Such a thing was said in sarcastic humor, as Sunny did think the town looked quite beautiful in the fog. “Does the fog make the town a popular attraction?”

“Yes, that along with the famed hot springs.” 

“Hmm… I’m guessing the inn had to do with the town's tourism?” 

“Yeah, as that’s where most of the hot springs were. Since the place is or was an all-girls dormitory however, tourism fell off, whether for good or bad.” 

“I see…” Sunny ponders on what else he wants to talk about with Haruka before they arrive at Hinata inn, fidgeting with slight nervousness. 

“Still worried the residents won’t take your appearance well?” Sunny slowly nods.

“Well… if it makes you feel any better, I already told the girls beforehand, and my younger cousin who’s the landlord of the inn is a guy… so I think they’ll adjust well to you living there.”

“It’s… not just that, though. It’s also… about my mom. Umm… I haven’t met her in awhile, and she just left without physically telling me. I get she… does care deeply about me, but still… I feel like she went on this trip alone purely so she wouldn’t have to look at… well………” Sunny was going to say failure, but stopped himself from saying such a thing. Haruka also knew what he was going to say about himself, and pats him reassuringly on the shoulder.

“Kid… I can say with 99% certainty that you're being way too hard on yourself. I know what it’s like to put yourself down so much, god knows I did that too much in my childhood… but that kind of thought process does nothing in helping those you care about or, more importantly, yourself.”

“Perhaps…”

“Not perhaps, definitely. Because if you keep putting yourself down far too much, you won’t have the time to meaningfully reflect on your issues and improve yourself, or help the people you love. It’s a hard mindset to get rid of, but once you do so… Well, life will have to go through greater efforts to bring you down, and at that point you’ll be more than strong enough to put up a fight.”

Sunny looks up at Haruka, nodding more quickly to what she said. Although Sunny was still a little afraid of going to the inn, he knew that Haruka was right, he needed to change his outlook on life and be able to better himself… and perhaps gain the strength to confront his mom about her neglect. As he ponders over what he’ll say to everyone, the train stops, right in front of a… rather long set of stairs going upwards, in front of a large inn. He has finally arrived.

“Wow… this place isn’t very friendly to wheelchairs.” Haruka briefly snorts with humor, before putting on a more stoic, calm expression.

“Yeah… I guess so. Perhaps I and Keitaro could do something about it then?” Haruka states, as she starts walking up the steps. “You coming?”

“Umm… yeah, I just need to stretch my legs first, it was a long ride.” Haruka could feel Sunny was lying, given how he was nervously fidgeting, as if he had bad memories involving stairs.

“The train ride was only 1 hour and a half.” Haruka states, before shrugging and offering the boy an understanding look. “Well, I guess if you really need to take a little break after the train ride and before going inside the inn, we could go to my cafe first.” She states, walking down the steps, motioning Sunny to a much smaller, humble building.

Entering the cafe, Haruka looks around, spotting any potential grime or pests that would have arrived since her brief disappearance. Spotting no sign of such things, Haruka then walks towards the brewery, opening the cupboards for teabags and coffee beans.

“You want coffee?” Sunny shakes his head quickly in disgust. “Alright then, what tea do you want?”

“Oh, I’d like lavender tea… with some honey.” Haruka nods, and starts brewing the tea. Sunny silently sits there, watching as the tea is prepared. He starts reminiscing over the times he and Basil would hang out in the latters house, talking to one another with a tasty, hot cup of herbal tea… and how he greatly missed those days.

Then he felt an arm tightly wrapped around him, and a young girl squealing with great enthusiasm. Very much frightened, he looks to the source to the right, seeing what seems to be a young, dark skinned girl with blonde hair staring at him, grinning excitedly.

“ARE YOU THE NEW RESIDENT?” She very loudly and excitedly states, Sunny nodding with slight shock. “COOL, THE NAMES-”

“Kaolla Su, what did I tell you about using an indoor voice? And also… you're frightening Sunny.” Haruka states, and the young girl, who’s name is apparently Kaolla, rubs her head in slight embarrassment, letting go of the raven-haired boy. Despite that otherwise shocking introduction to Kaolla, Sunny was still relatively stoic.

“Sorry Haruka-San! I just really, REALLY needed to offer the biggest greeting I could to a new resident!” Kaolla states, excited but now sounding more quiet.

“That’s very good of you kid. Sunny, this is Kaolla Su, probably the most excitable and outgoing resident of Hinata inn. Also… she’s a very skilled engineer.” Kaolla nods to what Haruka states, her head bobbing up and down in excitement.

“YUP! In fact…” Kaolla says, rummaging through a backpack she was carrying, and then taking out a strange device, one shaped like a small cube. “This right here is the introductinator 2000! Its purpose is to provide a BIG celebration for any new residents! I made it overnight after hearing the news!”

“And I’m hoping you Don’t use your untested device in my cafe, as I’m providing Sunny his tea.” She states, providing the lavender tea to Sunny, him nodding as thanks. Kaolla grumbles, and pouts in response.

“It isn’t That big of an explosion, just enough to fill the skies with a rainbow-ish light.”

“Better to save it for the night then, don’t you think?”

“I agree with Ms. Har-MMGH?!” Sunny was about to say that he agrees with Haruka, only to have his mouth muffled by Kaolla. 

“No no no! You need to refer to Haruka as Haruka-San, not Ms. or Mrs. Haruka. Japan uses different honorifics!” Kaolla states, before taking her mouth out of Sunny’s face. “Now, repeat after me! I agree with what Haruka-San said!” 

“ *Sigh* I agree with what Haruka-San said.” Kaolla nods and claps her hand, hugging Sunny tightly again with one arm.

“Wonderful job! You're a quick learner!” She states before adding “Even quicker than Sarah-Chan, my best friend! Unfortunately, she’s traveling with her father right now, so she isn’t here.”

“…Thanks?” Sunny states, as he quietly sips his tea. Haruka nods approvingly to the two. 

“Seems like you two kids are getting along well. I was a little worried you’d get nervous from how… expressive she is Sunny.” 

“I have a best friend similar to her, I’m used to this kind of stuff.” 

“In THAT case, I’m gonna be the bestest friend I can be then! Haruka-San, may I show him around the inn?” 

“You can join us as I show him around.” Haruka states. “That alright with you Sunny?” Sunny nods in agreement, which earns him a loud cheer by Kaolla. 

“I still have to finish my tea.”

“Oh, right… well be quick then!” Kaolla states, watching the cup with great anticipation of it being finished. This was certainly gonna be an exciting day, everyone thought.

—

“Welcome…… TO THE LOBBY!” Kaolla excitedly states, sliding on her knees as she enters the entrance door of the inn. Haruka and Sunny follow suit, the two taking off their shoes since they, unlike Kaolla, had them on. “Now, if this day is normal, then in the kitchen we’ll have one of my bestest friends around, Shinobu!” 

She knocks on the door to the kitchen, and waits patiently for the girl to open the door. The door slides open a little, and a dark blue-haired girl’s head peeks out, seeing two familiar friends, as well as a new one. Sunny could see that she was around Kaolla’s age, likely a few years younger than him. 

“O-oh, hello… are you…… one of the new residents?” Shinobu asks, earning Sunny a silent nod. “I see… well, it’s nice to meet you, Sunny. My name is Shinobu… Maehara Shinobu, and I’m kind of the main cook of the inn. Your mother was nice enough to talk to me about you as she helped me in the kitchen.” 

“Really… what… Did she say that?” Sunny asks. 

“Well…… that he’s quiet, yet also kindhearted.” Shinobu nervously states. Kaolla then takes her hand, and drags her out of the room, causing the blue haired girl to nervously blush. 

“C’mon Shin, there’s nothing to be nervous about!” Kaolla states, hugging her friend, causing her to chuckle happily and nervously. 

“I-I guess so. I’m just a little worried… that I’d make a bad first impression on him, like with his mom.” Shinobu says, sighing. 

“Nothing wrong with running away from what you assumed was a stranger walking into the kitchen, I didn't… exactly properly introduce her to anyone.” Haruka states. “It was my fault really.” 

“Exactly what she said, Shin! And look… Sunny has a cool eye covering, making him cool and mysterious and epic!”

“Well… I guess so, although you sounded a little…” 

“Insensitive, Kaolla.” Haruka finishes what Shinobu was about to say. 

“OH MY GOD YOUR RIGHT! My apologies Sunny!” Sunny shrugs, not caring too much. 

“It’s whatever… and besides, being complimented about that is better than being bullied for it.” Sunny states. “Do you… know where my mom is Shinobu?” 

“Oh… she’s at work, I think she’s coming back at 9 Pm?” The young girl states, earning Sunny a saddened look and even hearing Haruka mutter a swear under her breath. Before they could speak up, Kaolla does so first. 

“Oh, by the way, I think I’m gonna hang out with Shin for a little bit, maybe tinker with the Introductinator a bit to make sure it doesn’t explode!” She states, looking up at Shinobu excitedly. 

“Wow… that’s really nice of you Kaolla.” Shinobu states, her face blushing pink. 

“Just doing what best friends should do!” Kaolla states smiling, blushing too as she walks inside the kitchen, the blue-haired girl following suit.

“I know what they are.” Sunny states. 

“They’re what?” Haruka states, confused. 

“Nevermind that. A shame I can’t talk to my mom until night.”  

“Yeah… sorry about that kid.” 

“ *Sigh* It’s whatever. What about the other residents?” 

“Ah, yes. Well… I’m pretty sure my cousin and his friend Naru are busy studying, so I say it’s best that we talk to someone who doesn’t have a job Or is responsible.” 

“And who might that be?” Sunny days, confused.

—

“Oh Samata-sama, your sausages… they're so glorious!” Kitsune reads out loud, admiringly what she had written for a possible best-selling doujin. “And as for you… my Aoi-chan, your melons… they are quite…… bodacious and rotund sugoooiii.” Kitsune wonders if what she has written is fit for publishing… until realizing she could just tag it as a comedy and get away with some poorly written smut. She was about to read out loud once more, until she heard knocking.

“Mitsune, the new resident has arrived. You better not swindle him for cash!” Haruka states.

“Depends… is he older than me and rich?” Mitsune asks.

“No, I am not. I am 16.” Sunny himself, the new resident states.

“Well, in that case…” Mitsune zips up her jacket and walks towards her door, opening it. “Welcome to Hinata inn kid! The names Mitsune Konno, though my friends call me Kitsune for my habits being similar to such foxy folk.”

“I’m Sunny, as you can tell, my name is quite ironic.” Sunny states quietly, earning a chuckle from the silver-haired woman.

“Well… actions speak louder than words, so perhaps your actions shine brighter than any statement you say.” Sunny nods, as Haruka also nods approvingly.

“Well… it seems like your not gonna try anything with Sunny. A good thing…” 

“Haruka… I only act lecherous around rich men to swindle their cash! I would never do such a thing to this young boy, like what is he? 14?!”

“I’m 16, I’m just short.” Sunny states with some bitterness, much to Mitsune’s shock. 

“Wow… really? Sorry to hear, boy.” Mitsune states. “Does that… have to do with… Y’know.”

”No, it doesn’t have to do with my missing right eye. Thanks for being considerate about not being insensitive, but I don’t mind.” 

”That’s good to hear. Hope you take care of yourself then.” Mitsune states, about to close the door, until Haruka stopped her from doing so.

“By the way, did you pick up any jobs, or are you just writing that poorly written stuff I can’t say out loud to a minor?” Haruka asks, Mitsune looking behind herself nervously.

“Well… you see, the funny thing is that…… bye!” Mitsune then slams the door on the two, locking the door. Haruka sighs deeply in resigned disappointment.

“God… damn you Mitsune.” Haruka states, and then looks back at Sunny. “Who do you wish to meet next, Sunny? I can show you to my cousin and his friend, or… if you're brave enough, you can talk to Motoko?”

“Well… I think I’ll take the first option… hopefully they won’t be too upset ove me interrupting them.” 

“In Keitaro’s case, no, he’s very kind that way. Naru though…… well, she’s a little more obsessed with her studies.” Haruka states, motioning Sunny to follow her. “And besides…I’m also interrupting their studies, not just you kid.”

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“………Mmm” Naru felt very guilty for what had happened, knowing that she had overreacted to the situation. And now… Keitaro was standing in front of her, ready to become a punching bag…… once again.

“Naru… aren’t you… you know?” Keitaro looks at Naru, confused over how, instead of being angry or annoyed… She felt guilty.

“It’s… well, if you want that…” Naru gives Keitaro a… rather weak punch, so weak in fact he was only pushed an inch back instead of through a wall. She then sits back on the table, looking down in guilt. Everyone was quite concerned for her, especially Mitsune.

“Hey… Naru, bestie? Umm… you might’ve overreacted, but what I heard also angered me… I mean, I heard that the kid had some issues, but I didn’t think they were That bad!” Mitsune states.

“Well, at least you didn’t cause a kid to relapse!” Naru argues back.

“ *Sigh* Listen Naru… just… know that I ain’t mad at you, you made a shi-shiitake mistake, I mean… that sucks hard, but you can learn from them and become a better person.” Mitsune states, before yawning. “Anyways… the alcohol is kicking in… so I’m gonna *Hick* go lay on a coach and sleep.”

Mitsune walks out of the room, leaving the two kids, Naru, and Keitaro in there. Although talking to her best friend made Naru feel better, she still felt terribly guilty over what had happened, and they all could see it.

“Hey… Naru, umm… maybe you can help me clean the dishes? I would appreciate that help heavily, and you might feel better?” Shinobu shyly states, Kaolla nodding in agreement.

“Yeah! Maybe I can show you some of my devices! I made some others this week other than the Introductinator!”

“Haha… yeeaaahhh, that’d be great.” Keitaro hesitantly says. “But yeah, we’re all only human Naru, and well… we make mistakes. I mean… I’ve made a shi- I mean-”

“Fuck.” Shinobu says, everyone looking at her in shock. “W-what? I just think… It's a little bit dumb that you have to censor yourselves around me and Kaolla.” Hearing Shinobu swear made Naru chuckle happily, due to how contrasting it was to her typically kindhearted and meek personality.

“Hehehe… we’re did you learn those swears from?”

“Oh, that’s easy! From classmates in my middle school!”

“Yep… and hooooooo boy do they swear a shit ton!” Kaolla states. “I mean… like you’d honestly be surprised at how little filter they had!”

“ *Sigh* Haruka is gonna kill me.”

“Correction, she’s gonna kill us all Keitaro.” Naru states, everyone nodding in agreement.

—

“Hmm… I think that’s enough gifts… hmm.” Sharon was quite nervous to go back inside the inn, knowing that today… her own son Sunny will be there. She can only hope she’ll be able to stomach being around him long enough to give him some gifts, and not cringe at seeing him. She sighs, feeling terribly guilty over how even after all this time, she can barely stomach looking at Sunny… being reminded of her mistakes, her failures, and of what she lost after he…… no, it was just an accident. A freak accident that ruined their lives, but just a mere accident. She constantly reminds herself of that so as to give her better confidence in talking to Sunny…

As she walks across the street to the entrance of Hinata house, she hears someone walking behind her. Turning around, she sees a familiar sight, that being the kendo girl Motoko. Why is she out here tonight? Perhaps to… hunt demons or ghosts? But she didn’t see any news about such things, maybe she’s just taking a nice walk?

“Oh, good evening Motoko, how has your day been?” She states, only to get no response from her… that’s weird. “Motoko… how has Shinobu been? Is she doing well with cooking?” Sharon always appreciated Shinobu… she was like… the daughter she lost a long time ago… only as shy as her mur- no, son, as shy as her son.

Motoko just stands there, silently glaring at Sharon… clearly furious with her over something, but what exactly? Is she angry over her son being here? She knew Motoko wasn’t very trusting of men, so it possibly might’ve been that, right?

“Oh… are you… upset over my son residing in the inn? Because if so, I can assure you he isn’t in any way a pervert or manipulative, he really is a nice boy.”  She states, talking more loudly. “He really is a good person, he would never take advantage of anyone.” She tells Motoko… and herself too. The silence is broken by Motoko finally saying something.

“Your son?” Motoko asks, confused. Why is she so confused, she’s always been constantly reminding everyone of him arriving at Hinata house, so why does she say that as if this is the first time she has heard of such news.

“Yes… my son. Did you… forget?” She asks, Motoko looking at her unblinking. She was a little… no, not a little, very frightened.

“No, I did not forget about Sunny Suzuki’s arrival.” She states. “What about you? Have you forgotten of his arrival when he had just had a mental breakdown and injured himself?”

“He… w-what?! Is he okay, is anyone else hurt?!”

“He is okay… only a scraped knee. Why do you ask that as if he is a danger to everyone around him?” Motoko states, slowly walking towards Sharon “You say he was a kindhearted boy, right? I can tell that you are technically right about such a thing… and yet, you yourself do not believe that.”

“Please… Motoko, y-your scaring me. Just… let me go inside the inn!” She walks up the stairs, only to see Motoko’s blade blocking her path, a blast of chi cutting the stone right in front of her.

“We are NOT finished!” She states, filled with fury. “I am the heir to the Shinmei-Ryū dojo, NOT your glorified babysitter! Haruka-Sama is NOT your babysitter! The rest of the residents are NOT your babysitter! Selling watermelons for some Okinawan women is no excuse for failing your duties!”

“…Okay, I-I understand that! I-I’ll try to be better!” Motoko moves her sword away from Sharon, and puts it back into her sheath.

“You better keep to your duties… otherwise I will be more than glad to repurpose your as of now pointless existence… by turning your mutilated corpse into fertilizer!” Motoko yells out angrily, turning around and walking upstairs… only to see Haruka.

“ *Sigh* Motoko…” Motoko looks at Haruka, deeply embarrassed. “Please control your anger, I’m too… tired to scold you today.”

“Yes Haruka-Sama, my apologies!” Motoko bows down and walks upstairs, likely to either go to sleep or train more. Meanwhile… Haruka looks down on Sharon, both figuratively and literally.

“I heard everything, by the way. Motoko has as much indoor voice as Kaolla when she’s angry.”

“Yeah… I know……” Haruka looks behind her, seeing that Motoko is now far enough away to speak to Sharon privately.

“So… your son is in his room, either calling his old friends or sleeping. As Motoko said, he had a mental breakdown or relapse… thank god she was there to make sure he was safe.” Haruka states, glaring slightly at Sharon. “Listen… I know that learning your daughter was killed by your son's hands is traumatic… but ignoring his existence will not help you or him.”

“I know… and… I feel terrible about everything. B-But… I don't know how I’m meant to… talk to my son? For so long, he was unemotive, a nearly lifeless husk of his former, who would either only sleep or play games. And now… he apparently went outdoors after so long. He managed to make the entire neighborhood love him… and, well… the fact that he got hurt today due to my mistakes… I just do not know what to do?!”

“I can tell you what you need to do. And that thing is to talk to him about everything!”

“B-But… he does not know what happened, he gave himself Amnesia just like I told you! If I were to tell him about that… he might…”

“I can tell he knows what he has done… I could see it with his regret and guilt, and how he had even told his friends about what happened, from how they reacted towards  him.”

“How… did they react?” Sharon asks, deeply worried.

“Most of them forgave him or said goodbye on good terms.” Haruka states. “All except for this Kel kid, from what I heard.”

“I… really?” Haruka nods confidently, being very clear on her honesty. “Wow…… just wow.”

“Yes, it is clear proof that if they can forgive him, then you should be able to as well. You just… have to recognize how the both of you are hurting, and that you must reconnect with one another to better begin the healing process. After all… the hot springs of Hinata won’t solve all of your woes.

“Indeed… they will not. *Sigh* Where would I be without you, Haruka?”

“Probably dead.” She states, before walking upstairs. “You coming?”

“…Yes, I need to talk to my son… as soon as I possibly can.” Sharon states, walking up the stairs.

—

“That’s… unfortunate to hear Sunny. I really hope you're okay after what happened.”

“I am… umm, just a little shook up from what happened Hero.” Sunny was very glad to have gotten Hero’s phone number, otherwise he would have to lay down on his bed and sleep to cope… possibly relapsing back into his hikikomori habits or having a nightmare. “It’s no big deal. This samurai girl named Motoko  saved me from drowning… so I’m okay now.”

“Oh, speaking of that, how are the residents for you, outside of what you’ve already told me?”

“Well there’s this young girl named Kaolla who introduced herself by hugging me… she’s kind of like Kel… only even more cheerful and energetic.” He states. “Apparently she’s also an inventor, so that’s pretty cool I guess.”

“As in… the building machines type?

“Yes. There’s also her friend Shinobu, who has blue hair and is very shy… kind of like me, only she doesn’t microwave steak and is apparently a really good cook.” Hero cringes in disgust over the microwaving steak part. “Listen Hero… I won’t eat that stuff again.”

“You better not!” Hero states angrily.

“Oh, and there’s also Mitsune, this silver haired woman who’s older than most of the others… she drinks a lot of sake and apparently flirts with wealthy men for cash.”

“So a gold digger?”

“Yeah. I think she’s pretty cool though.” Sunny states. “And finally, there’s the landlord Keitaro, who is Haruka’s younger cousin. He’s pretty nice but also very awkward… as in, he would crumple like toilet paper when talked to rudely kind of awkward!”

“Wow… those are some interesting people you're living with Sunny… have you decided to become friends with any of them yet?”

“Mmm… perhaps. I thought Motoko was pretty cool… She kind of saved my life.” He states. He then hears knocking, soft knocking on his dorm room door. “Oh… well, that’s my time to say goodnight to you Hero.”

“Haha… I think you mean good morning? It’s not noon yet.”

“Mmm… dumb timezones. Goodbye then Hero.” Sunny then hangs up, and walks towards the door, deciding to then open it. There, he sees his mom…… that’s wonderful, he guesses.

“Hello there dear… I’m sorry… I’m really sorry for not being here for most of the day. There’s…” His mom stops talking for a little bit, deciding on what to say. “There’s really no excuse for my disappearance.”

“Mom… it’s fine.” Sunny states apathetically. “Just… just leave me be.”

“Sunny…… I can't do that. I’ve… already done that far too much, I didn't even visit you! I… didn’t even visit you when you lost your eye……” His mom was now sobbing, seemingly feeling a lot of guilt over the past month and a half.

“I… well, I dunno what to say, really?” Sunny was unsure of what to say, for all he really wants to do right now is sleep. “Actually… there is one thing.”

“What is it dear?”

“I want to go back to school.” Sunny starts, surprising his mom greatly. “I… dunno how lengthy the process will be, or what grade I will be in… but I really want to do school again… maybe get an education? It seems people around here value that greatly.” Sunny shrugs. “Maybe then… I could be better able to speak to you… as long as you're willing to.”

“Sunny…” His mom hesitates for a second, but then hugs her son. A huge surprise, Sunny thought, but it was a welcomed one. A greatly welcomed surprise. “I will try my best dear… mark my words, I will do whatever I can to support, and I do mean genuine support, not just giving you stuff and leaving you be.”

“That… would be nice then.” Sunny nods, and then starts yawning. ”is it… alright if I can go to sleep now? I’m a little tired. Don’t worry… I’ll try to wake up on time.”

“I’m… glad to hear that. Goodnight Sunny, mommy will do her best this time.” She states, before leaving the room, gently closing the door. Sunny felt… Well, he felt something. Whether it was a good emotion or not he was quite unsure. Perhaps after sleeping, thinking about his possible future will help out in deciding on what he is thinking?

And with that… Sunny lays down in bed, preparing to sleep after an exciting, stressful first day in Hinata town. And this time… he’ll be ready for whatever is thrown at him with no self doubt, just as Haruka said!

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Waking up in the morning, Kel couldn’t find where Hero was. He guesses he went back to college then… or maybe he’s somewhere else in Faraway town? Putting that thought away, he gets breakfast to eat, his parents only acknowledging him a little bit, a blessing and a curse, but as of right now, a blessing.

Recently, Kel has felt conflicted… very, very, very conflicted. On one hand, everyone was mostly okay after the hospital confession… well, outside of Sunny only having one eye. But on the other hand, hearing the truth on what happened to Mari, how much and how long that lie was kept, and how Hero, Aubrey, Sunny, and Basil suffered due to the keeping of that lie. And… knowing that his childhood friend was killed and desecrated… it hurt.

He already conversed with Basil in the hospital, one day before he could finally leave that place, crying tears as the two of them hugged tightly, and talking about the whole accident, on who thought up on the hanging, and on why the push happened? Although he still felt conflicted after that conversation, and still wanted to talk to Basil and especially Sunny, there was one thing he was sure about, and that was he was gonna be wary of stairs for now on. Very, very wary.

Putting on an orange jacket, black jeans, and orange sneakers, Kel walks to school, not really excited so much as hoping to get his mind off of the events of yesterday. Hopefully Basil will come back to school today, bringing him classwork was… rather tiring, something he only minded a day ago, after hearing the truth. He mentally kicks himself for feeling that way.

First period in Math went well, apparently he got an A-… not that he or anyone else might care outside of Hero… and possibly Hector? His second period in gym class went well… some friends of his asked if he was okay? Well… he didn’t answer another word. “Not really” They understood he wasn’t in much of a mood to speak, so class went uninterrupted.

As for 3rd period English, it was certainly interesting. To his happiness, Basil was in school, he was a little nervous about being there but otherwise he was okay… that was good. He could also see he was wearing a dark green hoodie, light blue jeans, and boots… he looked… well…… honestly really cute, but it probably isn’t the best time to feel those kinda thoughts, as class was full and Basil was looking at him.

“O-oh… hi Kel.” He said, slightly nervously

“Hey… Bas.” Kel said. Really… only that?! After everything and the first words you say to him outside of the hospital is a simple hey!? The amount of times he mentally kicked himself is staggering, and he has to wonder when those imaginary kicks will become real?

“Umm… I h-hope my grades in English w-will be good… I’m a little afraid.”

“Yeah… me too bud. I mean…… you’d think a class like English would be simple, but then you gotta write a 5 page essay about some book who’s genre you aren’t really interested in.” Kel states. “And that’s not even getting into the amount of words you need to remember for basic sentence structures!”

“Kel… could you speak quietly.” The teacher asked, clearly annoyed, Kel nodding in embarrassment. The teacher continues speaking about the subject today, but Kel couldn’t give a darn since this is the first day Basil has been to school this semester.

“So… about yesterday?” Kel asks, Basil now looking at him more nervously.

“ *Sigh* Do you… h-hate Sunny or us?” Basil asks, greatly depressed. To be honest, Kel didn’t know what to feel for Sunny. Should he feel angry, should he feel sad, should he just not care? He cares so much about his childhood friend, but knowing he’s kept all this stuff from them all, and how deeply Mari’s death affected his big bro… it hurts. It hurts he’s having difficulty in forgiving Sunny. It hurts how he feels like a bad person for forgiving him. It hurts how he feels like it’ll be spitting on the suffering Hero faced, even though he wouldn’t have hesitated in forgiving Sunny.

“I… dunno? I mean… it depends on how you, Hero, and Aub’s feel, right?” Basil shakes his head to what Kel said.

“No… about how You f-feel about him?” Basil states. “I can’t say everything out loud, b-but… I-I just want to know your feelings for him, if y-your angry for either the others… or your own sake?”

“The others, thinking only about myself would be selfish.” Kel whispers, Basil rubbing his head.

“I… w-worded that incorrectly. I-I mean…… about… maybe we can talk about t-this after school?”

“Yeah… I agree.” Kel states, and they study for English class. After class is over, Kel and Basil go their separate ways, waving goodbye at one another to get to different classes. For Kel, this meant going to world history, aka learning about Greece and Rome and little else for an entire semester…… yay?

As he expected, Aubrey was in class, wearing her usual attire and wielding her signature nailed bat, the teachers and staff far too intimidated by her to do anything about that. Probably isn’t best to initiate conversation with her, talking about the hospital in public would… well, probably lead to all sorts of bad situations, given how the two can often argue a lot. Aubrey also notices him, and silently, mutually agrees with him on that front, and class goes by quickly. Kel also gets a B+… wonderful.

And with that, lunch period starts, and both he and Aubrey walk down the hallway to the lunchroom, hoping to meet up with Basil. As they do so, they decide to talk to one another.

“Hey Aub’s… how was your day?” Aubrey shrugs, unsure. “Yeah… me too.”

“Yeah…… you talked to Basil?” Kel nods yes. “Good, I decided to talk to him… about how he was doing and… stuff. Didn’t ask him anything ‘bout the incident.”

“Me too, I asked him about how he was doing too. He…… well, shrugged it off completely, saying he was okay, even though I could see how nervous he was.”

“…I see. He asked me the same thing, just completely shrugged off on his own feelings. We… should probably talk to him about that.” Aubrey stated, before adding, “And no, I don’t hate Sunny or him.”

“Yeah… and try our best to be approachable and not induce any stress, of course.” Aubrey nods in agreement, and they get to the cafeteria, seeing Basil sitting on a table by himself, eating homemade soup. He catches sight of the two, and silently waves shyly. Aubrey walks towards him first, and has him stand up.

“This place is shitty, I know of a better place where we can eat.” She states, and then walks to the cafeteria to get lunch… which is cheeseburgers. Walking out with two trays, she hands one of them to Kel, and silently motions him and Basil to follow her. Now outside in the courtyard, they decide to sit under a tree on this cool day to eat food and converse.

“So…… how do we want to start?” Kel states.

“Well… for one thing… The hanging was my idea. Sunny… was entirely honest about everything.”

“……O-oh… I see.” That bombshell hurt. The idea that someone as sweet and kind as Basil, having to do something so messed up……… no words.

”Why…… why the fuck would you do that anyways?! Why not call 911!?!!”

”I-I was worried he would be thrown into prison… and hurt so badly by everyone.”

”Then why not lie about how Mari fell!!?” Kel was getting worried by how loud Aubrey was saying that stop, and motioned her to be more quiet.

“Aub’s… please… calm down, we can’t let the truth be revealed to anyone… okay?” Aubrey shakes her head and breathes heavily, agreeing with that.

“*Sigh* Yeah… I guess so. I… can’t imagine what’ll happen if that crap is revealed to everyone?”

“Yeah…… t-that wouldn’t be a good thing.” Basil shuffles uncomfortably, taking a bite out of his soup. “O-oh… Kel, did you…… talk to Hero about the truth yet?” Kel shakes his head.

“No… would have brought back too many horrible memories for him… and he left for college when I woke up in the morning, Atleast I think he did?” Aubrey rolls her eyes, bitter over that.

“Of course he did…… so much for becoming friends again!” 

“Aub’s… he’s not just going to abandon us…… I know my brother better than anyone else, including his parents!” Kel argues back. “I’m almost certain he’s gonna call me or visit during the weekends! And besides, he might still be in Faraway, just somewhere else.”

“Well… for his sake, I hope you’re correct Kel.”

“Y-yeah…” Basil nervously states, eating more of his soup. “Umm… are you two gonna eat?”

“Naw… the lunch food is cruddy.”

“It’s crap but it’s the only crap I’m able to eat most of the time.” Aubrey states, immediately chomping on her burger. “Other than that… there’s expired snacks awaiting me back home, and food I’m able to get while chilling with my gang.”

“Speaking of…… umm, Aubrey, t-today Sunny called me… about l-letting you use my phone.”

“Oh yeah… Sunny told me ‘bout that yesterday. Are you…… okay with that?” Basil shrugs, making Aubrey sigh a little, meanwhile Kel looks at them, unsure of what to think.

“Hmm… you still want to talk to him I guess?” Kel states, fidgeting. “*Sigh* I wish I had the guts to do so…… but I just… dunno if I’m strong enough to do that?”

“Hey… I get it, I genuinely get it. You don’t have to talk to Sunny yet if you don’t wanna, we won’t pressure ya, but… it’s still good to understand… that getting worked up over that or keeping it locked up to yourself ain’t fun. You saw what happened to me during those times.” Aubrey states guiltily. “Speaking of… I’m so, so sorry for what I did, Basil. What… I did to hurt you and bring you to the brink… Well, it’s your choice on whether or not you want to forgive me, and you're in the right if you don’t wanna.”

“……I-I forgive you, Aubrey. I m-mean… if you can forgive me and Sunny over wh-what happened, it’s only… right that I do so for you as well.” Basil states, stuttering but in a confident way instead of nervously. “And… I’d like to be friends with you again.”

“…Really?” Aubrey asks, tearing up, only for Basil to hug her, causing her to squeak.

“Yes… by my own choices, and not influenced by my feelings for Sunny.” Basil smiles happily, and even offers a granola bar to her. “This was… homemade by my caretaker Polly. I think… you’ll appreciate it more… o-over that crap.” Basil states, pointing at the half-eaten cheeseburger. Aubrey nods with agreement, and decides to accept Basil’s food.

”Hehehe… never heard you swear buddy.” Kel blushes slightly from what he just said, and looks down onto the ground. Aubrey couldn’t help but giggle, lightly punching his shoulders as she grins.

”Uh huh… sounds like your into that huh?”

“Aub’s… don’t make me remind you of your crush!” Aubrey looks away, pouting.

”If you value your bones, I suggest you don’t!”

For the first time since so, so long, it felt like things might finally… possibly improve, at the very least for Aubrey and Basil. And this improvement… it gave him hope… a renewed hope since losing it from the fight in Basil’s house.

—

“Hmm… Mari, you always knew what to do.” Hero stated, saying that in front of her gravestone. “I just… I just do not know how I can manage to talk to Basil… make sure Sunny is okay in a different continent with a neglectful, single parent… make sure Aubrey can get out of her terrible home situation?”

Knowing how terrible and neglectful all of his friends' parents are, and how little his own acknowledge Kel… and how useless he is in trying to help them… it just pisses him off to no end. How come he gets to be the lucky one to have actual, good parents? How come his other friends had to have terrible ones, with the exception of Sunny and Mari’s own before the incident ruined them too! And how much… just how much of this pain could be avoided if there parents were decent fucking human beings!?

Hero loudly punches the ground, angry over this fact. Just… how much sadness could’ve been avoided by so many things… and yet, the planets aligned in just this One particular way to destroy and ruin all of their lives, their future, their dreams, their happiness!

As he ponders over this rage, he feels a strange sensation coming over him… weird, but perhaps it isn’t too notable-

You’ve done so well in helping our friends, my Hero. Don’t give up now.

“ *Sigh* Great, now I’m hallucinating again… right?” Hero says, confused. He has heard that the supernatural does exist, but the likelihood of his lover… being a ghost? But then… Why did he hear that piano play when talking to Sunny?

Did you not hear that piano play on its own?

“I did hear it, in fact I was just thinking about that!” Hero states. Then… she’s here and existing as a ghost? That’d…… be nice, he thinks. “Are you… you know, real?”

Yes, I’m truly, truly happy you talked to him and are making sure he is okay. But… Please be sure Basil is safe too.

“I……will try. No, not try, I will!” Hero states, looking around himself to be sure no one is looking at him and thinking he’s insane. “Umm… I guess…… this is goodbye?”

Haha… I’ll always make sure to look on at my good-looking chef, as well as the others. But I have one more thing to ask of you.

”What is it?”

Please…… move on from me Hero. You deserve to love someone else.

And with that, comes the sound of wind, signifying that Mari has disappeared. Hero takes a deep sigh, and knowing that his younger friends and little brother might be struggling, gets the energy to leve the cemetery. As he takes one last peak, he can see a silhouette of a a girl in a white dress, waving goodbye as she fades away.

Chapter Text

Waking up, Sunny stretches and yawns softly, being very, very tired from all that had happened yesterday. Rubbing his eyes, he proceeds to go to the bathroom to wash.

As he does so, he hears a familiar, soft meow, and he quickly finishes up. After changing into a simple black t-shirt, light blue jeans and gray socks, he proceeds to look for the source of that noise, and he sees Mewo being gently rubbed by Shinobu. She was wearing a long-sleeved, deep purple jacket, a gray skirt, and dark blue leggings.

“ *Gasp!* Mewo!” He cheerfully walks over to his cat, earning a surprised yelp from Shinobu. “Oh… sorry Shinobu, I didn’t mean to scare you, sorry”

“O-oh, it’s really okay Sunny. Umm… So this is your cat right?” Sunny nods, smiling at the cute black feline as she rolls across the floor. Shinobu smiles alongside Sunny. “Don’t worry, I took good care of Mewo, made some homemade food for her. She even decided to cuddle with me in bed.”

“Aww, cute.” Sunny really missed cuddling with his cat, but hearing that she was taken good care of by the dark blue-haired girl was relieving to hear. “Perhap’s she considers you family?”

“Hehehe… I wouldn't mind that. I mean…… your mom helps me with cooking and also offer- umm… wait nevermind sorry!” Shinobu looks down in embarrassment, remembering the events of yesterday. “I… didn’t mean to bring that up.”

“……It’s fine Shinobu, really. I don’t mind that.”

“R-really? I mean… I was worried that might’ve made you upset?” Sunny shrugs as he pets Mewo.

“I mean, mom sent me messages everyday when she was gone, so it wasn’t that bad.” 

“Yeah… I guess so?” Shinobu couldn’t help but nervously fidget, and Sunny didn’t know why she was doing so? Was it ‘cus she still felt guilty about bringing his mom up and how she was acting as a parent to her? Wait… where are Shinobu’s parents?

“Umm… if you don’t mind me asking, why did you come to the inn?”

“Heh… family issues, but it really is nothing. M-more my-”

“It isn’t your fault. Or if it is then that doesn’t mean your problems are invalid.” Sunny bluntly states, letting Mewo climb onto his shoulders. “Hey… you wanna get her breakfast? Maybe I can help cook, maybe with mom since she also helps?”

“Eheh…… yeah… that’d be nice.” The two of them walk down to the kitchen, Mewo still piggybacking on Sunny, who she is very, very glad to see again.

—

“Hmm…” Naru looks at the paper she wrote, neither a tax paper nor a studying one, but instead an apology note. This apology note is to be directed at Sunny. But… What could she write as an apology to him? Well, that’s a lie, she does know she needs to apologized for being far too rash, but how exactly should she word the apology? As she ponders deeply in her head, her bedroom door opens. “GAAGH! C’mon Keitaro I- oh… it’s you, sorry.”

Naru realized that it was in fact Motoko, Who was wearing a more casual outfit than yesterday, that being a dark purple, long-sleeved sweater and gray jeans. She was also carrying a piece of paper, but why? Her studies have been consistently good, and all she did was save Sunny for drowning, which is objectively a good thing.

“Umm… you're writing an apology note, right?” Naru nods in response to the question, the raven-haired girl sighing in relief. “Good to hear. I… messed up badly too last night. It was… dishonorable of me.”

“Motoko… whatever it was I’m sure it wasn-”

“I pulled a sword on Sharon Suzuki and threatened to kill her.”

“Okay, nevermind.” Naru pats a seat mat for Motoko to sit on, and she does as Naru wants her to. After taking a deep breath, she shows Naru her apology note… which only had her name on it.

“So… one issue I have is that whatever I think of what to write as an apology, it usually ends up becoming a thinly-veiled rant on how Sharon is a terrible person and I want her to be kicked out of the dorms. I want to know… how can I write a respectful apology note to her?”

“Honestly Motoko, I’m at a loss too. I mean… I guess we can consider how caring Sharon is to Shinobu and Mewo?”

“Ah yes, Sharon being more caring to a cat than her own son, a very respectful characteristic.”

“On the bright side, she seemingly raised him well enough beforehand to not be a perv or pig, so there’s that!”

“And all it cost was an eye I reckon?” After bluntly stating that, Motoko crosses her arms. “I reckon she just left him so he can kill himself?”

“Damn… Motoko I dislike Sharon like you do but I don’t think she’s the antichrist?!”

“……Perhaps she isn’t? Though I must ask, how exactly are we meant to trust her or her kid?”

“Are you seriously bringing him into this?!”

“I do not blame him for his issues, though I am aware he does have them. It’s best that we prepare ourselves accordingly so that he doesn’t harm anyone.”

“………Motoko… what the fuck?”

“What? Am I wrong?”

“YES YOU ARE! Like… by your logic Shinobu should be a danger to us! Her parents are as if not shittier than Sharon from what I heard, and the only person Shinobu puts harm to is herself!”

“Yes… well-”

“WELL WHAT?! The fact that he’s a guy meaning he’s a dangerous monster that’ll hurt us!?!!”

“I didn’t say th-”

“Maybe you didn’t, but I know you think that.” Naru takes a deep breath, trying her best to regain her composure so as to not say something she’ll regret. “We’ve been friends for 2 years okay, I know what you think. I know you haven’t had good experiences with guys, I know you're a very sheltered, closed off person and I know you have a hard time trusting people. But I must ask of you… to please give them a chance, okay? You don’t have to forgive Sharon, hell I can’t either, but we must understand them and try our best to not put them into greater pressure than they already are.”

“……Okay.” Motoko nods, then crumples her paper and throws it away. Before Naru can ask what she’s doing, she grabs her paper and writes “& Motoko Aoyama” after her name. “I’ve decided we should both write the same apology note.”

“And… why would that be?”

“You're better at describing your and my emotions than myself, and I am more eloquent with words.” Motoko then offers Naru a slight, smug smile.

“Hey! I’m a grownup here, I know how to write!”

“I am merely joking.”

“You better be!” Naru pouts a bit, then starts making a slight grin. “But yeah, I agree. We’ll make a better apology note together.”

“Indeed we shall.”

—

As Shinobu and Sunny walk to the kitchen, they suddenly get sneak hugged from behind, the two of them start as Mewo casually jumps jack on the floor. The two of them regain their composure, recognizing the arms around the two of them.

“K-Kaolla… we’re going to the kitchen to cook food. And yes, you can come, but please don’t eat the food we;re preparing for Mewo.”

“Worry not Shin! Wait… you mean the two of you?!” Kaolla looks at Sunny, pouting as she crosses her arms. “Aww, what makes him so special?”

“……Nothing really, though I believe you might be a little sad about your favorite person being with someone else, right?” Shinobu blushes, while Kaolla just looks at Sunny in confusion. “Worry not, she’s more like a ‘lil si- I mean friend, you don’t have to worry about anything.”

“Heck is that supposed to mean?” Kaolla was confused on what Sunny was implying, even more so when he smiled smugly. 

“L-let’s… just go and cook food okay? I think Mewo is getting antsy.” Shinobu gently picks up Mewo and walks to the kitchen, Sunny and Kaolla following her as they decide to give her some time to think to herself.

“So… you came from somewhere else too right?” Kaolla nods grinning, lightly punching Sunny on the shoulder.

“Of course I did silly! From the island kingdom of Molmol!”

“Sweet, I’m from New England, USA. Was kinda just an average boy there, isolated.”

“Cool, cool! I’m the princess of Molmol and I came here so as to not well… get into all that dumb, stressful government stuff!” Sunny looks at her in mild shock as they walk down some stairs, completely ignoring his phobia so as to process that information and how casually Kaolla just yelled it out

“You're… a princess?” Kaolla nods, smiling all the while. “Umm, so like…… you’re pretty casual about that, guess most people know huh?”

“Yeah, I don’t really care much though! I think I’m much better as a mechanic than someone who sits on a throne all day!” 

“Heh, can’t argue with that.” The three of them finally walk into the kitchen, seeing that Sunny’s mom is already cooking breakfast all on her whole.

“Oh my goodness! Do you need assistance?” Shinobu gently puts Mewo on the counter and she walks towards Sharon “I-I’m really sorry for not being here sooner!”

“Don’t worry kid, I’m alright, I’ve been managing okay.” Sharon then sees her son and Kaolla waving at her, the former slowly and methodically while the latter was energetically waving. “Oh, good morning my sweet baby. Mommy is so glad to see you bonding with everyone so quickly.”

“…Thanks mom. Umm… So Mewo wants food, anyways I can help with that?”

“I WANNA HELP TOO! SHOW HOW MUCH BETTER IN COOKING I’VE GOTTEN SINCE MY BESTEST FRIEND IN THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD SHIN TAUGHT ME!” Shinobu couldn’t help but make a grin, blushing as well in the process. “Can I?”

“Of course you can, dear Kaolla. Though please be careful to not burn your fingers.”

“As YOU wish Mrs. Sharon!” Patting Sunnyom the back, she drags him to a fridge. “Alrighty, so what type of delish seafood should we feed her?”

“Umm… whatever requires a microwave. I mostly microwave food, particularly steak.” As he says this, Shinobu stops in her tracks as she is carrying flour, staring at Sunny blankly and intensely. This awkward silence lasts half a minute before Sunny speaks up. “Everything… alright Shin?”

“……… What? ” Shinobu then makes a face of sheer disgust, as everyone in the room, Mewo included, looks at her, wondering what she is about to do?

“Umm… just so Y’know, Shin doesn’t like the idea of someone using the microwave to cook stuff.” Sunny looks down at Kaolla in response to that statement.

“You could’ve told me that sooner.”

“And you could’ve well… not microwave steak in general. Like… what the hell?!” Looking at Shinobu, she decides to stand between her and Sunny. “Hey Shin… it’s alright. We can well… we can have him not do that? Give him actual cooking skills? Can’t be too hard right?!”

Several more seconds pass, and Shinobu takes a long deep breath, sighing heavily as she recovers from the shock she experienced. Nodding in response to the blonde's statement, she decides to rest her head on her shoulder, letting out a muffled screa. She then looks at Sunny, then at his mom, and then at Kaolla’s blushing face.

“……Yeah… you're right. Right as always.” Getting her head off of Kaolla, she then stares at Sunny again, who is fidgeting nervously. “Sorry about that reaction. I just… well, my head went blank when I found out people microwaved steak.” 

“Don’t worry, one of my childhood friends had that same reaction.” Sunny was relieved to hear that Shinobu wasn’t angry or disgusted by Sunny, just merely shocked. “Umm… I’ll try to do better at that.”

“Thank you, that’d be nice, really, really nice. Just… please don’t mention the microwave again?” Sunny nods as he sees Shinobu shudder. They heard knocking on the door, and opening it, they could see it was Naru and Motoko. Sharon shakes slightly in fear as the two approach.

“Oh… good morning?” Naru waves at Sunny while Motoko nods. Sunny and the others could see that Naru had a piece of paper on her, perhaps study notes?

“Ahah… yes, good morning.” Awkwardly shuffling around, she thinks on what she should say. “Umm… is it alright if you and your mom… could come to the living room?”

“Oh… umm-”

“I mean! It’s really your choice! You can meet us later!”

“Sure.” Sunny looks at his mom, her contemplating until Shinobu speaks up.

“Don’t worry Mrs. Suzuki, I’ll finish off with the cooking, me and Kaolla.” Sharon pats Shinobu in response, causing her to squeak.

“Thank you Shinobu. See you later.” Both her and her son follow Naru and Motoko, both of them being aware of how awkward and… quiet they are. Was this about yesterday?

“Umm… Naru, I forgive you about what happened yesterday. Really… it was-” Naru silently shakes her head.

“I shouldn’t have pressured you so much, kid. By all accounts I was a stranger to you.”

“Still, I forgive you regardless. And besides, I’m planning on going back to school anyways.”

“Really? That’s nice… was it…”

“Both me and moms choice, right?”

“Yes dear.” Sharon then notices that Motoko hasn’t even spoken yet, and although she was still very much afraid of the raven-haired, sword-wielding girl, she didn’t want her to feel bad. “Hey, Motoko… I forgive you.”

“…You don’t have to.” Sunny was rather confused. What did Motoko have to apologize about? By all accounts she saved him from drowning to death, which should obviously be rewarded right?

“Hmm?”

“It… is sort of your business actually boy.” Motoko states as they enter the living room, with all 4 of them sitting. As they sit, Motoko then bluntly states, “I threatened to kill your mother if she didn’t become a better parent.”

“………Oh. Well… okay, now I can see why you also want to apologize.” Sunny states, before adding, “I mean… my mom forgives you so why shouldn’t I?”

“You’ve lost enough of your family already, boy.”

“I mean… yeah, that’s true.”

“Motoko… I think we should read our apology instead of… well, speaking like you usually do.”

“I agree.” Taking the paper from Naru’s hand, she reads over it quickly, then darts her eyes at the parent and son duo. “Ms. Suzuki as well as your child Sunny, I would like to apologize for threatening to kill you. What I did was completely wrong and I promise I will not do such an Ill-willed thing towards you again.”

Both Sharon and her son nod, already forgiving her over that. Motoko hands the paper back to Naru, who then reads the rest of the paper the both of them wrote.

“Sunny Suzuki, I’d like to apologize for pressuring you over school and your personal information yesterday. I was far too inquisitive for someone who was to you a stranger, and who did not know the full context of what happened in your family. As well as this, I’d like to apologize to your mother for insulting her behind her back, as although I may not have agreed with all of your decisions, I knew you were suffering from trauma and do genuinely want to be a better parent.”

“Really… It's okay Naru. I wasn’t the best parent.” Naru sighs in response to Sharon’s answer.

“Yeah, however our reason for this apology was partly due to Haruka demanding us to, otherwise she’d kick us out and have our family members pick us up.”

“I see… so how much of it was genuine guilt?”

“Well… I felt like absolute shit over causing you to relapse, so 100% for you kid. As for Sharon…… half and half, though it’s leaning to more positively due to you actually wanting to try and improve. How about you Motoko?” As she asks, Motoko stands silent, looking away. “Yeah… I thought so.”

Sharon gulps nervously from that statement, as Naru stands up and helps Sunny up too.

“So… what’re you, your mom, Shin and Kaolla making?”

“Umm… some fried fish for my cat… as well as mushroom soup.”

“Cool… oh, by the way, you said you were going back to school soon right?” Sunny nods to further affirm that. “Good, good. So are you okay with getting help in studying? Despite how hard I study, I’m not That busy.”

“Are… you sure?” Naru nods in response.

“Yeah… it gets tiring studying with the same person even though I- actually, nevermind.” Sunny decides not to be inquisitive, as he walks alongside her to the dining room. Sharon then stands up, following them while also trying not to look at Motoko. With everyone having left the room, Motoko decides to go train, though not before showing and putting on her uniform.

Chapter Text

“Hmmm…” To say the new residents interested her would be an understatement. One… a mother who has to take care of her son exclusively, a child who only has 1 eye, is so small for someone his age, it’s all so interesting and gives her many ideas to possibly put in her more “serious” Manga. Although… she should probably ask them about that, as putting some of their own life experiences in without their consent is pretty offensive and disrespectful.

As she ponders over this, she hears knocking, and the door opens to reveal Keitaro, the ever lovely and helpful landowner she loves so much, with his endearingly shy face with eyes covered in glasses greeting her.

“Umm… is everything alright… Mitsune?” He gulps nervously, wondering if she has any ideas of swindling or teasing him.

“No, no. Just thinking up ideas for my stories.” She offers a seductive grin to him, causing him to look away in embarrassment, providing an opportunity for her to do her favorite activity… outside of gambling and writing of course. “Aww, don’t be so shy, I do want to have someone to talk to about them anyways!”

“ *Sigh* Okay, I mean… I am interested… N-not in that way of course!”

“Pfft, of course not That way.” Stating more seriously, before adding, “I don’t exclusively write smut you know?”

“Yes, I know… j-just show me?”

“Demanding, I like it!” Mitsune states, before showing him many of her unfinished sketches and notes. “Surprised you aren’t studying with Naru, I wonder why?”

“Don’t get any ideas, she’s writing an apology note about yesterday.” As he looks over the papers, he smiles at the details and ideas she wrote down. “Y’know… I think you should show off your writing more often? These are some really good ideas.”

“Heh, thanks Keitaro. And speaking of apologies…” Mitsune thinks deeply on what she wants to say next, hoping to not anything that could be taken out of context. “Umm, so I want to make a good impression on that new kid, Sunny I think? But like… I’m kinda worried his mom will take it the wrong way given how flirty I am with older men.”

“Hmm?”

“I mean… like she’ll think I’m some kinda creep, when I only just want to be some kind of cool ass friend… talk about art and that kinda crap.”

“And… how do you know Sunny’s an artist?”

“When you stay inside for years, you usually learn to start writing and drawing in your free time whenever you're not sleeping.”

“Wait… you mean…” Mitsune nods, embarrassed.

“Well not to the point of not going to school of course! I mean, if I didn’t go to school I would’ve never met Naru.” Mitsune chuckles before adding, “She was my only friend, and even today I’m kinda shit at talking to the other residents who aren’t her. I guess I dunno, it’s sorta like trauma bonding, two loners who lived in our house most of our time dreaming, bonding over that?”

“………Did… something happen during your childhood?”

“Uh huh… would… rather not talk about it though. Maybe… some other day?”

“Alright. Also, by the way, your not crap at talking to me.”

“Well yeah, I’ve practiced saying the choicest words to handsome men like you.” Mitsune then sticks her tongue out teasingly.

“……Yeah. Umm, I have business to do, Y’know, paying taxes.” Keitaro shyly states, before waving goodbye. He got to hear two more words from the resident fox of the household before closing the door, both of which in a suggestive phrasing.

“Sure, business.” She states just before the door closes. With that conversation out of the way, she decided to start writing some more.

—

“Hmm… tasty.” To say Sunny loved the soup was an understatement. It tasted very good, the mushroom and pasta mixing well with the gravy, chicken andbBa- uhh, Italian herb plant he meant, he didn’t want to think about all those strange nightmares involving his best friend. “Shinobu… mom, this tastes really good. Thank you.”

“Of course dear. Mommy really wanted to try her best.” She states, before adding, “It was actually Shinobu’s idea of putting the chicken and gravy in, and I must say I’m glad to have someone to help out.”

“Mmm… thank you two.” Shinobu looks down shyly, happy yet also nervous about all the compliments she was being given by the Suzuki’s. She decides to change the topic by talking to Naru. “Umm… Naru, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, what do you want to ask?”

“Well… y-you said you were gonna help Sunny study… right?” Naru nods, which causes Shinobu to smile slightly. “I see… umm, is it okay if I study with you two?”

“Heh, sure Shino-”

“I WANNA STUDY WITH YOU GUYS TOO!” Kaolla excitedly exclaims as she’s still chewing her soup, causing everyone to look at her in surprise. “PRETTY PLEASE?”

“Jeez yes of course… just please be a little quieter.” Kaolla excitedly nods, patting Shinobu on the shoulder.

“Are you excited about being study buddies with me and the others?”

“Umm… yeah.” Shinobu was now even more nervous yet also excited, to the point that her face was brightly pink to where everyone could see it, including Haruka, who just walked in.

“Mornin’ everyone. Seems as though you guys are having a good discussion.” Everyone in the room nods, as Haruka then adds, “See you’ve kept to your promise. That’s good.”

Confused, Shinobu wanted to ask what the promise was, but decided against it due to it likely being a private matter between Sharon and Haruka. Haruka then sits at the table, getting a soup bowl of her own to eat.

“So… umm, nice breakfast right?”

“Yeah, partly due to you and partly due to Shinobu.”

“I also helped!”

“Uhuh, yeah. And you did great!” Shinobu states, not bringing up how she decided to microwave water instead of boiling it.

“Don’t forget my son!”

“But… I didn’t help cook. If anything, I traumatized Shinobu by telling you guys about the microwav- actually, nevermind.” Seeing Shinobu shudder, Sunny decided to be quiet. This breakfast… it was so very peaceful and relaxing, it really did feel like he wasn’t alone… that he was lively once again as a person and not just dreaming of past memories that may never be recreated. He could feel himself tearing up as he states, “This… is a wonderful breakfast.”

He would from then on cherish any new memories he made with them, speaking about them to his childhood friends as a way to show that he was doing okay. Heh… maybe they could even visit someday through some method?

—

“Wow… such a majestic, regal looking church!” Seta was quite excited for this last stop on his 1 month vacation with his daughter, traveling around the country to see various local town landmarks. It was a nice bonding time after all the time he spent doing archeology by himself or with Keitaro during the spring. Sarah however wasn’t so excited, especially since it meant having to temporarily leave the Hinata house to go see what she thinks is a generic-looking church. Well… it wasn’t all bad, she thought, it has been a while since she bonded with her dad.

“Yeah… I guess so.” Although trying her best to sound excited, Seta could recognize that his daughter wasn’t having the same excitement as he was. It was a little upsetting, but understandable.

“Hey… you don’t need to pretend to be excited kiddo.” He states, rubbing the back of his head feeling bad. “Maybe… you could make friends with some of the people here? Maybe explore the local forests?”

“Hmm… maybe.” There was this group of strange teens she was very curious about, mostly because of how much of goofy losers they are, especially that blonde-wigged boy. “Oh hey… daddy? Don’t you have a few friends here?”

”oh yes, the Rodriguez, why do you ask?”

”Well… you did say you forgot to order a hotel right? Meaning we’d have to sleep in that crusty, still somehow functional van?” Sega nods, understanding what she meant by that.

”Well… I guess so? Dunno if they’ll be much happy about that?”

”Pfft! Well in that case I’ll just have to-”

”Kiddo, please don’t threaten them!”

”What? No! No! I meant telling them our cool adventures around the world! Especially that one involving the giant turtles and my friends in Hinata house!”

”Oh, right. I think that is a good idea Sarah.” She grins excitedly while crossing her arms.

“Of course it is!” She states excitedly, as she follows her dad down the streets of Faraway town. She couldn’t wait to tell the local kids how much cooler she and her daddy were compared to them, especially about her friends in Hinata House!