"That's so amazing," Sachiko said in awe, her voice light with wonder. Beside her, Haruko stood silent, her eyes fixed on Tetsuo. She watched the rhythm of the basketball—how it seemed to flow from one hand to the other as if it had a mind of its own. The steady thud of it against the pavement echoed through the empty yard, a low, hypnotic drumbeat. Haruko's thoughts drifted, drawn in by the grace in his movements, the quiet focus etched into his face.
Tetsuo caught sight of them and suddenly stopped dribbling. The ball bounced once, then wobbled to a stop at his feet. He bent to pick it up, his expression unreadable.
"Why did you stop? We weren't disturbing you, right?" Sachiko asked, tilting her head.
Tetsuo shook his head gently. "No, it's not that. It's just been a while since I played in front of people, so I got a little anxious," he said, voice low, almost self-conscious.
"Oh, I see." Sachiko smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, since we're here, let's hurry up and get both you and your sister cleaned up."
The bathroom filled with steam, curling against the mirror until it blurred everything but a faint outline of Tetsuo's reflection. The warm water rushed over his shoulders and down his back, carrying away dirt, dried sweat, and bits of grass. When he finally stepped out after more than an hour, he wiped a patch on the mirror with the edge of his towel and stared at himself for a moment.
Now free of the grime and mud, his features stood out clearly. His jaw was smooth, his eyes calm but distant. As he stepped out of the bathroom, the hallway light fell softly across his face.
Sachiko blinked as she saw him. Something fluttered in her chest—not quite embarrassment, not quite admiration. Maybe it was just the surprise of seeing his face clearly for the first time. She wasn't sure.
"I'm done showering now. You guys can go ahead and help my sister," Tetsuo said.
"Alright. Usagi, come here. Let me wash your hair," Sachiko said, motioning gently.
Usagi peeked around the corner, towel wrapped around her small frame, clinging to the edge with both hands. "But the shampoo will burn my eyes," she said, her voice trembling slightly.
"Just close your eyes until I'm done. I promise it won't hurt one bit. Trust me, okay?" Sachiko knelt beside the tub, her hands already warming the water to the right temperature.
"Right… I'll close my eyes," Usagi mumbled, squeezing them shut so tightly her little brows furrowed.
Sachiko worked carefully, her fingers gentle as they massaged the shampoo into Usagi's scalp. The scent of cherry blossom filled the air, and foam dripped slowly down to the edge of the tub.
"There, all done," she said, rinsing away the last suds and wrapping a towel around Usagi's damp hair.
Meanwhile, Tetsuo sat quietly on the living room floor, only a towel draped around his shoulders. The air still clung to the warmth of the shower. His skin was flushed from the heat. Haruko hesitated in the doorway, a neatly folded set of clothes in her hands.
"Here you go," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Tetsuo looked up and offered a soft, grateful smile. "Thank you so much."
Haruko's face turned pink as she nodded and quickly turned away.
"I'm all done with her. Thank you so much for waiting," Sachiko said as she entered the living room, Usagi walking just behind her in clean clothes, her damp hair combed neatly.
"Big brother, look! I'm wearing clean clothes, and my hair smells really good!" Usagi beamed, twirling in a little circle.
"Yes, it really does," Tetsuo chuckled, patting her head.
"Usagi is really cute. I can't get enough of her," Sachiko said, ruffling the girl's hair.
Suddenly, the front door creaked open.
"Sachiko, dear? I thought I heard your voice. You're home early," came a woman's voice.
Sachiko's heart skipped. Crap. Her mother. Her pulse quickened.
"Oh, I didn't know you had friends over today," her mother added as she stepped inside, slipping off her shoes.
"Yes, they stopped by to play with us for the day," Sachiko replied quickly, trying to keep her voice calm.
Her mother smiled kindly, though her eyes widened a bit when she noticed the siblings' unkempt hair. "Oh my, your hair is all over the place, young man. Come with me—I'll cut it for you."
Before Tetsuo could react, she was already ushering them into the kitchen. The metallic snip of scissors soon filled the room. Bits of damp hair fell gently to the tiled floor like tiny feathers.
"There, that's much better," she said, brushing loose strands off Usagi's shoulders. "Well, aren't you the sweetest thing?" she added, planting a kiss on her forehead.
She turned to Tetsuo next, gently parting his hair before snipping away his overgrown bangs. Her touch was deft and motherly, the kind that came from years of practice.
"Honestly, your parents should make sure your hair is kept neat and tidy," she said absently.
At that, Tetsuo's eyes clouded slightly. His gaze drifted away, unfocused, and his mouth tightened just a little. But he said nothing.
"There you go, all done. I have to say, you're a very handsome young boy. I hope you don't sweep my daughter off her feet," she teased with a laugh.
"Mom, that was really uncalled for!" Sachiko yelped, her face turning crimson.
That evening, Sachiko's mother prepared dinner for everyone. The scent of simmering miso soup and grilled fish filled the house, and warm laughter bounced off the walls. Around the table, Usagi smiled shyly between bites, and Tetsuo seemed at peace, his usual stillness softened by the comfort of the moment.
No one mentioned where the siblings were really living. Sachiko and Haruko kept that part carefully hidden. Their father would never approve.
After school, the days began to fall into rhythm. The four of them played together in the yard or walked through the quiet streets. Sometimes, Tetsuo would walk Haruko and Sachiko to the bus stop in the mornings, then wait there in the afternoon to walk them home again. He was always watching out for them.
"Big brother, over here!" Usagi called from the corner of the yard, waving both arms excitedly.
"Here you go, Usagi—catch!" Tetsuo said, tossing the basketball lightly.
"Yay! I caught it!" she shouted with delight, the ball nestled tightly in her arms.
"Great! Now pass it back."
"Alright, here goes—catch, Tetsuo!" she said, tossing it with all her might.
Tetsuo caught it with ease then he threw it back.
But the throw was a little too strong, and as Tetsuo reached for it, the ball veered and gently bumped against Usagi's forehead. Her eyes widened. Then tears welled up quickly.
"I'm so sorry, Usagi! Does it hurt? Don't worry, you'll be alright," Tetsuo said softly, crouching beside her and rubbing the red spot on her forehead with his thumb.
Haruko walked in just as the scene unfolded. She paused, watching Tetsuo cradle his sister's head, his voice so quiet and kind.
Spotting her, Tetsuo stood up. "Haru, you're home early." His tone was calm, but his hand lingered briefly on Sachiko's shoulder, warm and steady.
"Well, that's because classes ended early," she said, brushing a bit of wind-tangled hair from her face.
"I see... then that explains it," Tetsuo murmured, his gaze lingering on her, unreadable yet soft. "Haru."
Haruko blinked. There was something different in his voice—almost like a breath caught between thoughts. "What is it?"
"Since you're here let me show you something cool. You've been wanting to see me do this up close for a long time, but you were afraid to ask," he said, taking a step back and dribbling the basketball between his legs.
Haruko's eyes lit up, her earlier hesitation melting away. "Whoa! You're so amazing! That's so cool!"
"You really think that's amazing? Wait until you see this," Tetsuo said as he spun the ball perfectly on his index finger.
"I'm amazed you can do stuff like that! Who taught you?" she asked, stepping closer.
"I honestly don't remember. All I know is that I can do it," he replied with a shrug. "But it's amazing, isn't it?"
"Yes, it definitely is! I want to play basketball too!" Haruko exclaimed.
"Of course you can! With hard work and patience, you'll become the best there is," he said, smiling gently.
"Wait… where's Sachiko?"
"She joined a club, so she'll be coming home late today," Haruko answered.
"I see. Well, let me go meet her. Come on, Usagi, let's go. We'll be right back, okay?"
The two siblings walked hand-in-hand along the sidewalk, the sky now painted with soft streaks of lavender and gold. Tetsuo's basketball thudded rhythmically against the concrete, echoing in the fading light.
At the school gates, they spotted Sachiko with a group of girls. She was laughing, relaxed in the chatter.
Tetsuo was about to approach when one girl asked, "Hey, Sachiko, that boy who walks you to the bus stop—is he your boyfriend?"
"Yeah! And why doesn't he go to school?"
"I heard he's homeless and she lets him live in her dollhouse. She probably plays with him like a toy," another girl laughed cruelly.
Sachiko's smile faltered, and her eyes darted nervously between the girls. She swallowed hard, heart pounding, then blurted out before she could stop herself,
"He's… he's just some stray kid. Yeah, he's dirty and smells bad. Honestly, it's kind of gross—"
Her voice cracked on the last word, and she looked away quickly, cheeks flushing. A quick, guilty flicker crossed her eyes as a sinking thought tugged at her—I didn't mean it. She bit her lip, struggling to hold back the truth. "I mean… I don't really know him well."
Tetsuo stood frozen. Her words sliced through the warmth he'd held all day. His fingers loosened around the basketball. It hit the ground with a dull thud. A faint flicker passed through his eyes—quick, almost imperceptible—before he masked it with his usual calm.
"Big brother, are you okay? Are you hurt? Tell me!!" Usagi cried, clutching his arm.
"It's okay, Usagi. I'm alright. Let's go."
"But what about Sachiko?"
"She'll find her way home," he said quietly, his voice hollow.
Across the street, Sachiko glanced over, sensing something. Their eyes met. Tetsuo's expression was unreadable, but behind it was pain.
Then, just as a bus passed between them, he and Usagi were gone.