Chapter 74: Old Streets, New Stories ( 74 )

Chapter 74: Old Streets, New Stories ( 74 ) Okinawa – Naha Airport The air felt different here. Warmer. Kyouko stood just outside the terminal, her suitcase beside her, purse tucked neatly under one arm. "It’s been so long..." she murmured quietly, eyes scanning the familiar curve of the street. "Since I last came home." She checked her phone. Then, a car pulled up near the sidewalk. Honk. She looked up. "Kyouko!!" "Ah—Kenji!!" She stepped forward as her little brother got out of the driver’s seat, his hair slightly messy. "You haven’t changed at all!" she said with a laugh. "That’s my line, Nee-san!" Kenji grinned. "You still look like you’re in your twenties. What are you eating in Tokyo, huh? Magic?" Kyouko laughed softly, but then noticed someone in the front passenger seat, a girl, about middle school age, with big eyes and straight-cut bangs, watching curiously. "Eh? Kenji... is that your daughter?" Kenji beamed with pride. "Yup! That’s Riko. Say hi to your aunt, Riko!" "Hi..." Riko bowed shyly through the window. Kyouko’s smile softened. "Put your luggage in there, and let’s go! Mom and Dad have been nagging me all morning asking when you’ll arrive." "Alright. Thanks, Kenji." She placed her suitcase gently into the trunk and then slid into the backseat. Kenji drove with one hand resting casually on the wheel, the other occasionally gesturing as he chatted with Kyouko. "You know, the old street near the fish market got renovated. Looks like a tourist spot now." "Really?" Kyouko smiled as she looked out the window. The familiar scenery was still there. From the front seat, Riko glanced between them, curiosity glowing in her eyes. "Father... Aunt Kyouko... is she your little sister?" Kenji chuckled. "No, no." He glanced in the rearview mirror with a grin. "She’s my older sister." Riko blinked, genuinely surprised. "Ehh? Really? But she looks younger than you." Kyouko let out a soft, almost embarrassed laugh. "That’s very sweet of you, Riko." Kenji feigned a sigh. "See? Even my own daughter thinks I’m getting old. That’s what working every day in the sun does to a man. Meanwhile, my sister here looks like she’s on a permanent skincare commercial." Kyouko smiled softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "You not really that old, Kenji." They all laughed together. The kind of gentle, easy laughter that only happens around family. And for the first time in days. Kyouko felt light. As the car turned down a quieter road lined with familiar trees, Kenji’s tone suddenly shifted. "You know, Kyouko..." "Hmm?" He kept his eyes on the road, the teasing grin from earlier fading into something more cautious.ƒreewebnσvel.com "Just be ready." Kyouko blinked. "Huh? Ready for what?" Kenji let out a short breath. "Father’s... really mad." Kyouko fell silent. Of course, she thought. Of course he would be mad. She stared out the window again, lips pressed gently together. Their father had always been a man of few words and strong expectations. They had all grown up under it. She, Kenji, and their youngest sister. Disciplined. Quiet. Proper. As was expected in their household. And now. I haven’t called them for months. Didn’t return for holidays. Didn’t even explain. She placed a hand lightly over her purse, the leather still warm from her palm. "...I see." Her voice was soft. The car rolled up the familiar stone path, past the wide courtyard and the fruit trees that surrounded the family home like quiet sentinels. The traditional house stood tall and proud, just as Kyouko remembered it. As they approached, Kyouko spotted a figure standing at the entrance. "Mom..." Her mother stood with arms crossed, lips pressed into a stern line. The moment the car stopped, Kyouko stepped out quickly. She rushed forward and wrapped her arms around her. "I missed you, Mom." Her mother hugged her back tightly. Then.. Smack! "Ow~!" Kyouko flinched, rubbing her head. "If you really missed me, then you should’ve come back at least once a year!" "After Satomi was born, that was the last time I saw you! Years!" Kyouko smiled sheepishly. "I’m sorry... things just got... busy." "Busy, busy, busy!" her mother huffed. "Life isn’t just about work! Where’s Satoshi? Where’s my granddaughter?" "Umm... they couldn’t come. They’re both... busy with work too." "Busy!?" her mother snapped. "Busy, busy, busy! Life isn’t just about work, you know. Now come inside, you big city girl." "And don’t think I’m done with you!" her mother continued, nagging as she led the way inside. Kenji chuckled, watching the scene unfold. "Heh... big sister or not, you’ll always be her little girl." Kyouko shot him a glare. Smack! "Ow, Mom~ what was that for!?" Kyouko pouted, rubbing her head again. "And don’t you glare at your little brother like that!" Kyouko sat quietly in the living room, knees folded neatly over a cushion on the tatami floor. The gentle breeze flowed in through the shōji doors, carrying the scent of blooming citrus from the courtyard trees. She looked around the room, nothing had changed. The wooden beams overhead. The family photos still on the wall. The low table, polished and shining like always. "Mom... where’s Father?" she asked softly. "Oh, he’s at the farm." She smiled . "Nowadays, it’s nothing but farm, farm, farm. Morning till late afternoon. That field has become his best friend." Kyouko smiled, relaxing a little. That sounds like him. Even after all these years, their father hadn’t changed. Kyouko glanced down at her tea. I wonder what he’ll say when he sees me... "Kenji." "Call your father, will you? Tell him his city girl daughter is finally here." "Yes, yes~" Kenji replied with a chuckle, already slipping on his sandals. Kenji stepped outside, waving back as he called over his shoulder. "I’ll go. The old man’s probably still wrestling with his sweet potatoes." The sound of his footsteps faded as he disappeared around the corner, toward the narrow path that led through the back of the house. Kyouko remained seated in the living room, legs folded neatly, letting her eyes wander to the garden just beyond the open shōji. The wind rustled through the fruit trees. Leaves shimmered. Sunlight danced across the tatami. "Father!!" Kenji’s voice echoed gently across the field. The afternoon sun shone over the small family farm, where rows of green stretched in quiet order. Among them stood a tall man, broad-shouldered, sleeves rolled up, hands stained with soil. Takahashi Kiyotaka. Their father. He didn’t look up right away. Just paused, leaning slightly on his hoe. "Hmm..." A low, rumbling grumble. Kenji jogged closer, panting lightly. "Umm... Mom called." "Mmm." Still no full sentence. Kenji scratched the back of his head. "Kyouko’s here. She’s back." At that, Kiyotaka finally looked up. "Mm. Alright." He wiped his hands on a nearby towel, set his hoe down carefully, and turned toward the path home. ( End Of Chapter )