Chapter Text
In every lifetime, I meet you rolling on the ground at my feet.
The year is 1998, your father decided to have “family time” together amidst school break in a nowhere-district called Kagoshima. Which is weird in many ways, what could there possibly be for a balding old man, a twenty-year-old, and a nine-year-old boy to bond over with? Second of all, why not somewhere nicer like France, or Italy? Before you could even protest a word—your stepmom urged you to go. With no other choice, you do just that. Your stepmom offered to help pack your things. However, you insist that you can do it on your own. “Alright..” she muttered; you can hear the tinge of disappointment in her voice. But now that you think about it, that sad tone has always been present whenever she speaks. Only when she speaks with Shū is where your stepmom smiles and speak so brightly. Nevertheless, you have some packing to do.
Being a 9-year-old child, everything you plan to pack is anything that comes to mind: vibrant linen shirts & blouses, your size twenty-two sandals, a toothbrush, and a bowknot beach hat with a beautiful yellowish color tied with a velvet ribbon, a ribbon that belonged to your mother.
“Your hat is so pretty mommy!”
“Thank you dear.. here, try it on.”
that hat always looked a little floppy on you, huh?
“It's the same color as your hair sweetheart.”
“Is it?”
a giggle,
“Yes my dear, looks like it is a little big on you. I can't even see your face.”
another giggle,
“Here, try this one on”
“This one was made for you, see? we're matching.”
a pause.
“Hmmm, I like your hat more mommy..”
“You do?”
you nod
“Then it is yours now my dear.”
“Just one last thing—”
a ribbon she used to tie her hair, velvet and unraveled. She ties it neatly to your hat that's far too big on you.
“A gift from me to my dear Kuranouske.”
now the hat fits like a glove.
Kuranouske?
you've never gotten to wear it.
Kuranouske?
now's your chance-
“Kuranouske!” Shū yelled, as shock as you were, Shū gave you no time to speak. “Hanamori will be here soon, so hurry.” It's not like you to mindlessly stare at yourself in the mirror. Nonetheless, you packed even more clothes onto your luggage. Heading downstairs as you're good to go.