---
Scene: Mek's Bedroom – Night, raining gently outside
Mek sat by the window, Roshan's letter open again in his hands. The words blurred slightly, not from rain—but from tears he didn't let fall.
> "Japan… he mentioned Japan again," Mek whispered.
He closed his eyes.
And the memories came rushing back—vivid, soft, like pastel colors on rice paper.
---
Scene: Kyoto, Japan – 5 Years Ago (Flashback)
Young Mek was bundled in a fluffy hoodie, wandering clueless through a crowded street filled with cherry blossoms, ramen stalls, and flashing kanji signs.
> "Mom, where's the shrine?"
"I think we're lost again…"
"Mek, don't wander off!"
Panic had just begun to spark when a calm, familiar voice broke through the chaos.
> "There you are."
Mek turned—and there was Roshan, holding a map, wearing glasses, dressed in calm and confidence.
> "You'll get eaten alive out here if I don't babysit you," he teased with a smirk.
> "Roshan?! You're here?"
"Welcome to Japan, lost lamb. Lucky for you, your shepherd lives here now."
---
Scene: Exploring Japan Together
Roshan led them to hidden temples no tourist guide ever mentioned.
He translated everything for Mek's family, even got Mek free mochi by joking in Japanese with an old vendor.
Mek's mom adored Roshan. Mek's dad shook his hand and said, "I feel safe with you guiding us."
And Mek?
He smiled more that trip than he had in months.
---
Scene: A Park Under the Cherry Blossoms
Mek and Roshan sat on a bench, pink petals falling around them like snowflakes.
> "You know, Japan suits you," Roshan said.
"Huh?"
"You're calm here. Peaceful. Like you belong."
Mek laughed softly.
> "Maybe it's because you're here…"
Roshan looked away too quickly—but the pink dusting on his ears betrayed his emotion.
> "Then stay."
Mek blinked.
> "What?"
> "Forget Thailand. Stay here. Live here. With me."
Mek had laughed it off then.
> "You're crazy, Roshan."
But now, back in his room years later, Mek whispered to the night—
> "Maybe I should've stayed…"
---
Scene: Present – Mek Shows Pete an Album
Mek pulled out an old photo album. He handed it to Pete.
In it:
Mek and Roshan smiling in front of Mt. Fuji.
Roshan holding a red umbrella over Mek in the rain.
Mek asleep on a bullet train. Roshan staring at him.
> "He knew the entire time," Pete murmured.
"Knew what?" Mek asked.
Pete turned to him, gentle.
> "That he was in love with you."
Mek's throat tightened.
> "And I didn't even notice…"
Pete pulled him into a hug.
> "It's okay. He didn't want you to. He just wanted you to be safe. Happy."
---
Scene: Closing – Mek walks under blooming trees
The next day, Mek found a cherry blossom tree near the hospital. He stood beneath it, hand on his chest.
> "Roshan… I remember now."