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It's been some time since the beginning of the 2024 Olympic Games. Some of the more sporty guys have been parking in front of the TV since the start. And as everyone could guess, Tasuku is among them. Kumon wants to watch it too, but today homework is getting in his way. He promises to join in once it's done though.
But today, there's someone unexpected who joins in the watch.
"Arisugawa?"
"Why, hello, Tasuku-kun! Surprised? I happen to have finished all my work for this week."
"Totally not expecting you of all people to watch it..."
"Tsk tsk, Tasuku-kun. Have you forgotten that I am an artist rather than just a poet? You know I enjoy watching artistic sports such as gymnastics, synchro swimming, diving, and more. The way the athletes move their bodies is simply gorgeous."
"Sorry to say, this time it's fencing on the TV."
"I love fencing as well. It is an elegant combat sport with swords." Homare picks up a magazine on the table, rolls it, and holds it with one hand as if a sword. Assuming a fencing pose, he points it at Tasuku and shouts, "En garde!" He does a playful display of fencing moves, his makeshift foil slicing through the air with exaggerated flourishes.
Tasuku rolls his eyes at the theatrics. "You aren't gonna score with that."
Homare stops abruptly. "How rude! I was only playing around!"
"You can really fence?"
Homare nods. "Of course! It is essential for a gentleman like me!"
Tasuku looks at Homare in utter disbelief. "Do you know what it takes to be a pro? With your job being primarily sitting, I doubt you're gonna last more than three seconds."
"Why you…" Homare stares at Tasuku, furious, but then looks down, the makeshift foil slipping out of his hand. Then he limps away without a single word.
Homare's silence and limping send Tasuku into a state of utter shock, but by the time Tasuku shakes it off, Homare is nowhere to be found. Tasuku knows he has screwed up big time and approaches 205, where Homare probably has retreated to.
But when Tasuku reaches the door, he can't bring himself to knock. A simple apology isn't gonna cut it. He first has to understand why Homare reacts that badly to his words (which is something new because Homare usually brushes off insults hurled at him or spin them into something positive).
That night, Tasuku finds himself unable to sleep with all the guilt gnawing at him.
⚔️
The next morning, Tasuku wakes up unusually late, so much that he finds Tsumugi's message beside his pillow.
"I know you were so stressed last night, so I let you continue sleeping. But if you ever need a pair of listening ears, you can always find me in the garden."
Tasuku will think about it after getting breakfast… His daily jog can wait because his spirit for workouts has died along with Homare's usual spirit.
When Tasuku reaches the kitchen and absentmindedly opens the fridge, Chikage approaches him.
"How unusual to see you with a bedhead at these hours."
Tasuku doesn't respond.
"If it's about 'that', I know. I've heard stuff from his roommate."
Tasuku closes the fridge without grabbing any food. "I screwed up."
"Big time," Chikage adds. "But I bet it's because you don't know about his family history."
For once, tasuku turns with curiosity. "You know?"
Chikage smirks. "I have my sources."
"Utsuki, please tell me."
Tasuku and Chikage decide to talk about it at the dining table.
"First thing first, have you ever noticed that the male members of the Arisugawa family are short-lived?"
"I know Arisugawa's grandfather passed away when Arisugawa was young, but I didn't know anything about his father. He never talked about him."
"Homare-san's father passed away years earlier than his grandfather."
"He died a young man?"
Chikage nods. "The Arisugawa family is an upper-class family. An old-fashioned one if you ask me. You know how duels of honor have faded into obscurity, right?"
"Yeah, those are dangerous and illegal."
"But the Arisugawa family still settles disputes with good ol' duels. They still have their family sword stashed somewhere in their residence."
Duels, family sword, fencing. Things are falling into place.
"Homare-san's father perished in a duel. Some time later, his grandfather was forced out of retirement for a duel. But he was way past his prime and perished as well."
Tasuku can't imagine Homare losing his father and his grandfather at a young age. It must've hurt like hell, but Homare… Homare always acts like he's free of worries.
"As you may have guessed, the deaths ignited Homare's desire for vengeance, at least according to the rumors. Unfortunately, Homare's mother forbade him from participating in duels due to the fear of losing someone dear to her again. Despite Homare wanting to channel that to professional fencing, a far safer alternative, it's still a no-go."
"So it's that…personal."
"It's deeply-rooted to his family history after all. That's why even if it's not your intention, your words will cut deeper than expected."
Despite the guilt, Tasuku manages to smile. "Anyway, thanks for telling me about the Arisugawa family. I'll speak to Arisugawa soon."
"Make it quick, or Hisoka will never forgive you," Chikage playfully adds.
But then comes the problem. When Tasuku goes to 205, Homare isn't there. Tasuku thinks Homare is probably just out there to get some fresh air and will return soon.
But even until night falls, even until tomorrow and the day after, Homare never returns. All that is left in 205 is his belongings and a depressed Hisoka.
Homare's mysterious disappearance is stirring an uproar in Mankai Company. Izumi is about to file a missing person report…and then Chikage is there to provide a solution.
"Director, I know where Homare-san is, but because Tasuku was the one who caused this, he is the only person who can resolve it. Please leave it to us."
Although Izumi is doubtful, her instinct is to trust Chikage and Tasuku.
Later, Chikage approaches Tasuku in 204 with a card. "This is where Homare-san is last seen."
"This…" Tasuku reads the note on the card. "Isn't this his family home?"
"Yes, and now go finish what you've started."
⚔️
Arriving at the Arisugawa residence, Tasuku finds a familiar figure at the gate: Takao the butler.
"Tasuku-sama, what business do you have here?"
"Takao, I've had a bad case of miscommunication with the young master, so I'm here to apologize properly."
"I see. I have heard some stories from Homare-sama." Takao opens the gate and leads Tasuku into the mansion.
Soon, Tasuku finds himself in the grand living room of the mansion. It has expensive-looking art pieces and antiques all over the place. Homare and his mother are sitting at the couch, having tea and some cookies.
"Pardon me, milady and Homare-sama..."
Homare and his mother look at Tasuku. Homare is the first to speak. "Tasuku-kun?"
Tasuku first looks at Homare's mother. "Excuse me, Mrs Arisugawa. I'm Tasuku Takato from Mankai Company, a friend of Arisugawa. I'm here to speak with Arisugawa."
Homare's mother nods. "I have heard a lot about you from my son. He speaks so highly of you, you know?"
Tasuku blushes a bit. "I don't think I'm all that great, considering what has just happened…"
Homare's mother chuckles. "Please have a seat."
Tasuku does as told and begins, "Arisugawa, I've learned a lot from Utsuki. Now that I know a lot about your family history, I realize how insensitive my words were. I'm truly sorry."
"Tasuku-kun…"
"Now I understand why you reacted so badly when I said you didn't have what it takes to be a pro fencer. Fencing is more than just a sport to you. It's a connection to your family and your dreams."
…
…
…
The silence is really awkward, and Homare looks utterly shocked. Horrified. Tasuku doesn't understand why Homare is reacting that way, but believes he's failing at the apology now…
And then Homare's mother breaks the silence, looking at Homare with gentle eyes. "So, it turns out that you still cling to that dream after all this time, Homare."
Homare looks down to avert his gaze. "It is true, but I did not want to make Mother cry anymore. That is why.. I decided to bury that dream."
Homare's mother shakes her head. "Homare, I owe you an apology. It was selfish of me to forbid you from doing what you want. I have been quite immature, unable to move on from the grief of losing my husband and my father."
Homare looks up, teary. "Mother, I am no different. It is because of my inability to move on that I wish to be a professional fencer."
"Still, it is not right for a mother to take away her son's dream just for her own selfishness. Well, if you would excuse me…" Homare's mother stands up and leaves the living room.
"Arisugawa…" Tasuku can't help but stand up, approach Homare, and place a hand on his shoulder. "You clearly love your mother very much."
"Tasuku-kun, do you think I am selfish if I am to retrace my dream?"
"Your mother has given an ok so it's perfectly fine."
"That sounds reassuring. Thank you."
Not long after that, Homare's mother returns with an ornate saber in her hands. The blade, and the ruby pieces that decorate the pommel, gleam under the light.
"I wonder how long it has been since you last held our family sword," she says as she hands it to Homare. "Anyway, it is time for you to retrace your buried dreams, Homare. Perhaps it is time for the Arisugawa family to challenge and be challenged into duels again, just like in the olden days." She sheds tears. "Pay no mind to these tears… I am just… Uuu…"
"Mother, is it-"
"Homare, I am simply prone to tears so pay no mind. Wield that sword the way your grandfather and your father used to."
"It is still difficult to watch Mother cry like this…"
Tasuku chuckles. "Good grief."
⚔️
Tasuku and Homare are now inside the car, but before Tasuku starts driving, he makes sure to let everyone know the good news.
Tasuku Takato: Guys, Arisugawa is coming back!
Utsuki Chikage: Good job
Azuma: Fufu, can I start opening the alcohol now?
Hisoka: Tasuku owes me one-week marshmallow supply for the trouble
Tasuku puts down his phone. "Geez, I guess we should stop by a marshmallow store first. Know a good one, Arisugawa?"
But instead of replying, Homare keeps looking at the ornate saber in his lap (he has the permission to bring it to the dorm for a day or two).
"Arisugawa…?"
"Ah, my apologies, Tasuku-kun. I was simply admiring the beauty of this sword and the memories within it. I believe the last time I held this was during my childhood, before my mother took it away from me."
"It's been that long, huh?"
Homare nods. "I am glad to be able to hold it close again. It is hard to believe, but our argument has led to something this wonderful somehow."
"It's a blessing in disguise, but I prefer an outright blessing in the future."
…
…
…
"Tasuku-kun, why are you not driving yet?"
"Arisugawa, if you are to duel… Isn't that dangerous? I'm not doubting your abilities, but thinking about what happened to your father and grandfather…"
Homare smiles sadly. "I have no regrets. This is what I want."
Tasuku is too worried to speak now.
"There are stories about life after death, but...can I still feel what transpires in the afterlife? I have always thought, once you die, that is it. Nothing comes after that. Nothing at all." Homare pauses. "That is why...if I am to die, I wish to die doing what I want, no matter what. I bet I will be happy that way."
…
…
…
"Stop being poetic about death," Tasuku grumbles.
"But Tasuku-kun, death has always been grim, so is it not a good idea to make it sound less grim?"
…
…
…
Tasuku doesn't reply and instead starts driving, looking really annoyed, with a tinge of worry and fear in his eyes.
"Heh, I believe I have just learned something new about you, Tasuku-kun."