Next Morning – Duplex
Light filtered through the curtains. Breakfast was done. City sounds hummed faintly outside.
Uncle Hiroshi laced his shoes. Miyu strapped on her small backpack, face glowing.
"Let's go, let's go! Game zone! Uncle, I want air hockey!"
Hiroshi laughed. "We'll play everything. Just don't try to beat me."
Kasumi scolded lightly, "Miyu, behave, okay?"
"I will~! Bye, sister! Bye, Shion!" she waved wildly, running off.
At the doorway Hiroshi said, "Take your time. Order lunch if you want. I'll bring Miyu back by evening."
"Thanks, Uncle," Kasumi said politely.
"Thank you," Shion added softly.
The door shut. Silence settled.
Kasumi lingered in the hallway, thoughtful.
Shion drifted to the window, watching buildings and traffic. Only the clock ticked.
"So… looks like it's just the two of us today," Kasumi said softly.
"Yeah," Shion nodded.
---
Living Room
Sunlight spilled through curtains.
Kasumi hugged a cushion on the sofa.
Shion browsed the bookshelf.
The silence was comfortable, yet both wanted to say something.
"Shion…" she began.
"Hmm?" he turned.
"If you're bored… we can go out. There's a mall nearby."
"…Mall?" he repeated blankly.
"Yeah. I've never been either. Uncle said there's a bookstore, music store, rooftop café."
He thought, gaze heavy on the floor.
"You want to go?"
Kasumi's face softened. "Alone is boring… but with you, maybe it won't be."
Few minutes paused."All right. Let's go."
Kasumi quickly grabbed her bag, tied her muffler, slipped into her shoes. They stepped outside together.
Cold but welcoming air brushed against their faces.
---
Osaka Mall
The entrance buzzed with bright lights, escalators humming, footsteps everywhere.
Shion's face tensed—lights and crowds pressing in all at once. His shoulders stiffened.
"This mall's huge… and packed," Kasumi said, glancing at him.
He stopped, scanning the crowd, breathing shallow. Kasumi noticed. Slowly, she reached her hand toward him… then pulled back.
Kasumi suddenly thought his mind."Not now. He'd feel pressured."
She withdrew quietly. She couldn't tell if he noticed.
"Where's the bookstore?" he asked suddenly.
"First floor, left corner. Let's go," Kasumi smiled.
They rode the escalator side by side. Their hands hung close… but not touching.
---
Bookstore
Warm lighting. The smell of paper.
Shion picked a book. "Didn't find this in Tokyo. Found it here."
"You're a focused reader," Kasumi smiled.
He grabbed two more minimalist books. His face calmed.
At the counter, Kasumi stood beside him, smiling quietly.
A simple frame—two people, and warmth.
---
Clothing Store
Kasumi dragged him in.
"Is this… necessary?" he asked, doubtful.
"Always black? Try something new. Trust me."
He scanned the racks, picked a grey-green shirt and denim.
"Try this."
Shion stepped into the changing room. When he came out, awkwardly standing in new clothes—Kasumi's heart jumped.
"So… cute."She hid her expression quickly.
"You're not saying anything?" he asked directly.
"It suits you," she said fast, looking away.
He paused, then said casually, "You try something." Fair trade."
Kasumi blinked. "Huh... me?"
She blushed, picked a pastel top and skirt, and slipped into the changing room. Behind the curtain, she smiled to herself.
---
Rooftop Café – Sunset
Golden light poured through glass walls. Coffee steam curled.
"Shion… I got you something," Kasumi said softly.
"What?"
She handed him a small box. Inside—
A new hair tie.
"That's… a nice gift," he said quietly.
"You like it?"
"Yeah. I was thinking of getting one. Thanks, Kasumi."
"Don't be so formal."
"…Okay."
They sipped coffee. Silence sat between them—not heavy, not awkward. Kasumi watched his face in the glass. Mall lights overlapped with his faint reflection.
---
Evening Streets
Warm lamps glowed. A soft breeze drifted. A street guitarist strummed nearby.
"Thanks… for coming with me," Kasumi said softly.
"No problem. You came hiking with me," Shion replied calmly.
Kasumi couldn't look him in the eye. Her hand twitched, almost reaching… then stopped.
"Being with you feels… normal," he said quietly.
Kasumi froze. Her chest fluttered.
"Do you…?" she tried, voice breaking.
He looked at her, steady. Words unsaid hung in the air.
The wind picked up.
Her fingers twitched, as if to catch it. But it just kept floating—into the night.
Morning light spilled across Uncle Hiroshi's house.
The hallway was lined with packed bags. A quiet air hung in the house—an air of departure.
Hiroshi pulled Miyu into a hug.
"Next time, we'll go to the night parade too. Okay?"
"Promise?" Her wide eyes sparkled.
"A real promise."
"Thanks for everything, Uncle," Kasumi said politely.
"Thank you," Shion added softly.
Hiroshi gave Shion's shoulder a pat. Between them, a silent understanding passed—no words needed.
---
The plane descended over Hokkaido. From the window, a valley of snow stretched endlessly below. Miyu pressed herself against the seat.
"Ugh… I miss Osaka's heat already," she pouted.
"Yeah…" Shion's lips curved in a faint smile.
"Theme park hangover," Kasumi chuckled.
All three burst into laughter. The cabin, for that moment, felt warm with closure.
---
That night, the Hoshino family gathered at the dinner table. It was quiet, fatigue still lingering, but their hearts were full.
"So, how was the trip?" Sayaka asked.
"It was fun! Especially with Shion around!" Miyu blurted out.
"Next time we'll all go… Kasumi, bring Shion too," Takeshi said with a grin.
"Yes, Dad," Kasumi replied softly.
Under the table, Miyu caught Shion's hand.
"Promise you'll come next time too?"
He hesitated… then gave a small nod.
"Yeah."
---
The day of departure arrived. At the platform, the train stood ready. Snow and steam swirled together in the cold air. Sayaka and Takeshi had come to see them off.
"Shion… don't forget us, okay?" Miyu teased.
"You wouldn't let me, even if I tried," he answered softly.
Kasumi hugged him.
"Don't annoy everyone too much."
Sayaka's gaze lingered on him.
"Stay just the way you are, dear. You're priceless like this."
He bowed respectfully.
---
Inside the train, the two sat side by side. Through the window, snow blurred past in streaks of white. They shared a single pair of wire earbuds.
Kasumi thought to herself:
I want to rest my head on his shoulder… but not yet. For now, this music is enough.
The soft melody flowed between them.
---
Tokyo Station greeted them with neon lights and a crowd of rushing people.
Standing in front of the apartment, Shion spoke in his calm tone.
"Back to normal, huh?"
"Normal… but a little different," Kasumi answered softly.
---Chapter 22 end---