---Time: 6:05PM---
The door clicked shut behind me. My mother's voice floated from the kitchen, warm and soft, like she'd been waiting all day.
"Haruto? Welcome home. Are you… feeling better today? You didn't faint, right? No trouble in class?"
I forced a smile as I slipped off my shoes. "I'm fine, Mom. Completely okay."
Her head peeked from the kitchen doorway, eyes still searching my face like she didn't believe me. Then she smiled brightly, like she wanted to erase the worry.
"That's good. Go wash your face, alright? I bought cake for you. Let's eat together."
"…Okay."
I went upstairs, each step heavier than the last. The smell of sweets filled the house, but it only twisted in my chest.
When I splashed water on my face, I stared into the sink, droplets sliding from my jaw. Why does it feel so awkward to even talk to her?
For a moment, a dangerous thought slipped into my head.
What if I just forgave them? What if I stopped fighting?
Images flickered. My mother, smiling at Souta. Miyuki's hand in his. If I just exposed him… they'd both stay with me, right? My family. My wife. Everything I lost.
But then darkness. My vision turned black, the world collapsing.
And there he was. My future self, standing in the void covered with blood. His eyes hollow, his voice sharp as a blade.
"Revenge, Haruto. Never forgive them, you idiot."
The blackness twisted, forming scenes I didn't want to see. My mother in Souta's arms. Miyuki laughing as Souta touched her.
"You can't change the truth. Our mother, our wife they like Souta more than us. You think love matters? They want pleasure, not loyalty."
"Haruto!"
My mother's voice tore me back. I blinked, breath trembling, the blackness gone. I forced my body to move.
Downstairs, Mom had already set the cake. The table looked almost festive, but her smile wavered when I sat down.
"You're not looking at me," she said softly. "What happened?"
I stabbed my fork into the cake, eyes locked on the plate. "I'm… not feeling okay."
Her face dimmed. "Then eat a little and rest. Don't push yourself."
I nodded, forcing the fork into my mouth. The sweetness was heavy, bitter. I couldn't bring myself to meet her eyes.
When I stood, she called gently, "Haruto…"
I paused, back turned.
"You don't have to carry everything alone." Her voice cracked, just a little. "Even if you hate me one day, I'll still be your mother."
The words should've comforted me. But they only dug deeper into the wounds.
I climbed to my room. Closed the door. Locked it.
My legs gave out and I collapsed onto the floor. Tears burned before I even realized.
"Why…?" My voice broke against the emptiness. "Why does my mother love Souta more than Father? Why does Miyuki love Souta more than me?"
I clutched my chest, sobs shaking through me.
"Is lust really stronger than love? Do they not want a man who loves them, but a a man who will give them their desires?"
The room was silent, except for my broken voice. I crawled onto my bed, body curling tight, and let the exhaustion drag me under.
The night answered with nothing