Hello my name is Vincent and recently I have played and completed Katawa Shoujo. I heard a lot about this game and after playing snoot and wani I had high expectations for the "original 4chan shitpost taken too far"...the game.
Safe to say that with a few exceptions coughmishahanacough and some personal problems I may have, my expectations were blown out of the water and I wanted to write something after I was done...problem.
Anything I could think of has already been done a thousand times over with varying levels of quality some of which I’m reading as I'm writing (stealing who's stealing? I prefer inspired...and maybe vindication).
Eventually I narrowed on two Ideas I hope to at least get started...
The first is this one. A one-shot fanfic that was inspired by the art piece "Happy Memories". Essentially, I want this story to end up where the art piece is while of course taking many creative liberties since the art implies, Hisao took a bunch of pictures of all the girls, Yuuko along with the nurse, and himself and that has a bunch of implications that most definitely shaped this story.
the second one is a retelling of the game but...well does anyone know about Katawa Shoujo Kakutou? you don't? There's a reason for that. Also ever heard of The World Ends With You? Play it, the games are good and yes, they are a big influence on both stories and the themes I want to convey...and Lies of P too...ok I’ll stop.
to put simply this fanfic will be short, BITTERsweet, and hopefully effective. I said in the previous iteration of this post that I wanted to pour my love for this game into writing.
I’m going to rephrase that. I want to pour my feelings for the game into writing a lot of which is very personal and hopefully by finishing this story of a possible future I can put those feelings to rest.
Act One: Katawa Kizuna; A Familiar Beginning
Scene - I think this was the same way it happened...
I find myself in a park near the school, the cool winters air brushing against my skin while all of the snowflakes fall around me as they pile up beneath my feet. I see the forest the park is connected to, the canopy of trees looking so serene despite their lack of green leaves. I feel as though the trees themselves are waiting for something just as I am, waiting for the seasons to change so they can go back to how things were, when there was rain instead of snow, when there was hot instead of cold, when there were people willing to enter the forest and go through all of its winding paths to see something you can only find in nature. A beautiful picture when the light hits just right and the water sounds so nice.
But...“going back to how things were” that’s not actually right is it? Seasons don't repeat themselves exactly. The trees may regain their leaves, and the forest might brim with life again, but it won’t be the same as before. Nature doesn’t rewind; it moves forward, and so do we, whether we like it or not. The snowflakes once settled will melt away, and what’s left is something new...something changed. The old life passes on to make way for a new life.
I shake my head, I’m just overthinking things.
The reason I’m here is simple, I got a letter in my locker that told me to wait in this specific place so they can confess their feelings. Honestly, I’m surprised people still do this, but I guess if they’re the nervous type this might have been the best option for them.
“I really hope this isn’t a prank” I say to myself, thankfully there’s no one around since most people went home already as school got canceled early. (something about a “crazy person”)
I started to ponder whether or not this was even worth my time, but before I could deliberate further, I heard snow being crunched under careful footsteps...
They sounded weird...slow...and I swear there was a... third footstep?
I finally turned around to see...
“Mei?” I said surprised
“h-h-h-hey H-H-H-Hisao" she said as she walked up towards me tightly clutching her crutch as she did so.
So, the person that wrote the letter was Mei Izumi, a classmate of mine at the Yamaku Foundation high school.
I’m quite surprised it was her of all people that wanted to confess to me. Sure, we’ve known each other for 3 years, yet never once did she ever express any kind of interest in me. Granted given what I do know...
“y-y-y-you actually came...I’m s-s-so glad a-a-and sorry I-I-I’m late” she said clearly trying to lessen her stuttering something only made harder by the cold and possibly high levels of nervousness.
“it’s fine, pretty sure I came a little earlier than I should have but can you blame me? This has never happened to me before” I said in a joking manner trying to lighten her mood since the expression on her face is very serious yet rather sullen.
Yeah, no shit Hisao if this was a prank she would’ve said a bunch of rehearsed cliche lines to distract you so they could pull the rug under you. Throughout all the years you’ve known Mei, a malicious prankster she is not.
Evidence? She is shaking right in front of you clearly working up the courage to say what she needs too and... oh no.
She starts to look down or maybe it’s shutting down? Either way it’s because she can’t handle this kind of situation. Man, this hurts to see she’s really trying hard, but what can I do? Oh, I don’t know dumbass, maybe you should move this somewhere else? That’s an idea.
“Hey Mei, before we say or do anything else let’s go someplace warm and then-” before I could finish my sentence, she immediately jerks her head back up.
“n-n-NO!!!!!”
Whoa! I’m taken aback. I’m pretty sure she has never raised her voice at all over...anything, but then she stares at me with what seemed like a renewed resolve, and I stare back at her. She’s quite pretty, all things considered, with her Hazel eyes, red flowing hair, the yellow scarf wrapped snuggly around her neck, and the purple overcoat that hides the green Yamaku uniform.
Then there’s me with various shades of blue on my coat and scarf...I need to go shopping. Eventually she speaks up...
“It has to be done here b-b-because no one else is around, a-a-and you're the only one th-th-that needs to hear my feelings.” she says, her breath visible in the cold air as she reorients herself within her mind
I stay silent waiting for just that...
“Hisao Nakai...w-w-w-WILL YOU GO OUT WITH ME!?”
...
“ok”
“sigh I u-u-understand th-thank you for...” Mei's eyes widened, her lips parting slightly as she just stops herself.
“I’ll be honest Mei I don’t know how I feel about you despite everything we’ve been through, so I thought instead of rejecting you outright let’s just see if this can work out...if you want too of course.” I say using my hand to scratch the back of my head
I immediately feel dumb at that last point, of course she wants to Hisao she literally just confessed to you, but there’s always a chance she might chicken out and things will only get worse from there, so maybe I’m giving her one last chance to reconsider her feelings or to try something else.
Though her mind already looks made up.
“Alright m-m-maybe it’s too early to start calling us a couple, b-b-but I’m glad you’ve accepted my feelings” she says walking towards me looking a little out of it like a big weight is off her chest...don’t...even...dare...
“Yeah, actually let’s go on a date right now. Since school ended early, we’ve got time” I say walking towards her while also trying to force out my impure thoughts, not really paying attention to my surroundings.
“gasp th-th-that would be wonder-AGH!!!”
I don’t know how (probably hit a rock hidden in the snow), but Mei tripped and started to fall and immediately I snapped back to reality and went to catch her which resulted in her head hitting me square in the chest...hard...
BUMP BUMP
I can hear my heart beating rapidly
“ergh!! Dammit!” I could barely say that
My chest feels like it’s on fire.
“h-h-h-h-h-h-Hisao!?”
I can hear it ringing in my ears.
Breath in...
Focus...
Breath out...
Repeat your mantra...
You took your medications, you are calm, you are fine, you’ve done this before, and you can do it again.
Woosh
Nothing, the beating has stopped...good, now for the blubbering mess
“ImsosorryIdidntmeantocausethaticantbelieveimsostupidyoumighthavediedanditwouldhavebeenmyfaultandiwouldntknowwhattodoandijustconfessedtouyoupleasedontleavemeIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouIloveyouI-”
“MEI!” I yelled maybe a bit too loudly
She too snapped back to reality looking up at me with tears in her eyes not realizing that I’m holding her and were on the ground on our knees.
“I’m fine, see?” I gesture to myself while saying this, probably looking a bit arrogant. “you gave me a shock, but it was never going to kill me unless I MYSELF made things worse and at most I might have just passed out.” Smooth Hisao as if that’s better than just dying outright, what else can I do? Oh.
“Come on get up” as I say this, we stand up while Mei picks up her crutch “see all better like nothing happened” she grimaced a that since well...something just happened even if there were no adverse effects.
“uh um...d-d-d-d-d-do you still w-w-want to go on the d-d-d-date" she said still looking very shaken
“yes” I said
She seemed hesitant, but I just smiled, and she smiled back.
We make our way to the bus stop outside the park, and I see she has a wheelchair parked there. She immediately sits down looking very relieved which makes sense, probably psyched herself up a lot so she could finally confess to me, and it almost went wrong (in her mind). I on the other hand think to myself why she even has a wheelchair since in all our time together I’ve never seen her with one as she walks around the school all the time despite the limp. (and that one time she was carried to the beach...)
She sees me staring and explains “I d-d-don’t like to use this m-m-much especially a-a-around our group but f-f-for this year it’s just e-e-easier for me to-”.
A put up my hand up to stop her
“Your reasons are yours alone, and while I want to get to know you more let’s save our...’problems’ for later” while I say this, I get behind her and start pushing the wheelchair.
“u-u-u-u-u-uh you don’t have to!” she says blushing a bit and waving her hands erratically trying to lightly push me away
“I know but I want to” I say with probably the smuggest grin I’ve had in a while
Hopefully she doesn’t take this as pity or something, she needs to recharge, and I want to take her somewhere, so this works out.
Time passes
Scene – Starlight Speed Date (TASHANNIE)
It’s nighttime now, and though we’re cutting it close, we’re not quite past curfew.
We find ourselves at a literal and figurative crossroads. The road in front of us splits, leading home in opposite directions. But as the streets diverge, so do my thoughts. I’ve come to like Mei more than I expected, but I still haven’t decided how I truly feel about her. And while I hesitate, Mei doesn’t press. Odd, considering how intense today has been.
“Can you make it home by yourself?” I ask, my hand still holding hers.
She nods, blushing faintly shifting a bit in her wheelchair. “Y-Yeah, m-my parents are p-p-picking me up halfway. S-s-sorry to cut things short.”
Her hand tightens around mine, and I feel it too—a reluctance to let go.
“If this was a short date," I smile, trying to lighten the moment, "what’s a long one?" My voice drops to a mumble as I glance away. "You sure they’ll meet you halfway?”
She nods again, her blush deepening.
Flashback
Our date wasn’t really anything special, first I took her out to lunch since we were both hungry after today’s events, so we just got some ramen, not the most romantic of lunches, but she ate quite a bit, way more than me.
Afterwards she wanted to show me more about herself, specifically where she and her friends would go for fun and to my surprise it was the mall of all places.
I pegged her (kek) as an introvert and for the most part that’s true, but there we were in the middle of a busy outlet going through all the shops, eating more food cause apparently, she skipped breakfast (3 guesses as to why), and played some arcade games in where I found out she’s disarmingly good at shooters and absolutely demolished me at those master of drums games leaving me in the dust.
It may have seemed mocking when I wanted to play some dance dance revolution to restore my...completely shattered ego, yet when I suggested it, she was absolutely giddy at seeing me “bust a move”. I won’t lie I’ve played at this machine countless times practically mastered every song and have found ways to look as “cool” as possible in front any onlookers or my friends (usually Ryo or Eiko), but when I started to pick a song there was this...apprehension I haven’t felt in a long, long time. I don’t know how to describe it, I just felt like...if I had messed up my “performance” as it were in front of her the lyrics to the song, I had just picked would come true in my own life.
That sounded dumb as hell when I thought that, but it didn’t help that I knew the translation of the lyrics thus adding to my unfounded paranoia. Then I saw her face...man she was just beautiful, her lips creating a beaming infectious smile, a smile that said, “I’m having the time of my life with the boy I like...the boy I love”. I froze once again at that thought remembering the outburst she gave when I had my little flutter and some of the words, she said...
Then I pressed start.
(Now playing- CAUTION; DON’T BOTHER ME)
PERFECT! The machine sounded off, I wanted to lie down in exhaustion even though the song I picked wasn’t all that stressful, if anything it was more of a practice song. After I finished “recovering” I finally turned around and found myself in the middle of a crowd all of them clapping over my accomplishment, guess it’s been a while since I’ve done that, and it felt good to be acknowledged. Eventually Mei came up to me from her wheelchair and kissed me in the lips an action I did not push back against in fact I embraced her which led the crowd to go from applauding to cheering.
Afterwards we went to the movies, I don’t remember what we watched other than it being an anime shonen drama and this weird “X” over people’s faces which I think represents something. The rest of the date was spent talking about nothing in particular, just random things like telling me about her love for sketching mostly characters from games and anime and how she's been thinking about becoming an illustrator one day. When she mentioned that I began to remember all the times her and Ryo would hang out with each other even though their “art” are two different mediums... hm, maybe it’s a friendly give and take where one inspires the other with something.
We also talked about how she never liked crowds and how she felt safe when she was around the right people. She told me that hanging out with me at the mall, despite the noise and busyness, felt different yet better. More comfortable.
Overall, it was pretty much your standard first casual date, and it was quite fun all things considered.
Unfortunately, I can’t say our date was an entirely positive experience. Throughout the whole thing there were so many people staring at us, or more specifically at Mei. There wasn’t any big problem per se it was more so the stares that got on my nerves, sometimes they were stares of pity probably out of genuine concern, but I’m sure no one really likes that look no matter the context. Other times they were stares of annoyance like all of a sudden, they had to watch their step around her since she could fall at any moment when she got up or if they spoke to her, they’d have to deal with her stuttering. Very few were stares of disgust, usually from those who seemed very dismissive of people like Mei probably think I’m wasting my time going on this date with her instead of with someone more “healthy” or “normal” not knowing anything about me of course.
Tch! Hypocrites all of them...
Eventually we had to leave because her parents called to make sure she was okay and since our homes were quite far, we had to go now.
Back to the present
Now, here we are. Still holding hands, standing in the cold night air underneath the moon and stars, neither of us wanting to leave.
“Y-you’ll see me tomorrow, r-r-right?” she asks softly, her voice trembling more from nervousness than the cold.
“Always,” I say, giving her hand one last squeeze...
Yet just like that...separated as we “walked” our own ways.
While walking across the straight road, my mind spins. The date was fun, but there was a sense of urgency in Mei's actions, like she was afraid this might be her only chance. I don’t know if I’m imagining it or if she really feels that desperate. Maybe it’s nothing...Maybe it’s everything
I look up to the sky above and see all the lights fill up what’s usually the empty sky. Now, the stars spill out like diamonds across the velvet night, filling the vast expanse with light and possibility. In this quiet moment, I see the hopes and dreams of those before me, shimmering in the silence, painting the sky with a sense of beautiful bliss.
Heh, when did I get so poetic? Probably because-
“Brrr” A chill runs through my spine...
Eventually I make it home hoping the warmth will calm me down and maybe give me some answers. Because I really need them...
Scene – Can’t sleep love
I enter the house hoping-
“HISAO!!!” yelled my mother from the living room, welp so much for her being asleep.
I make my way there seeing her on the couch along with grandfather. “Well well well, what have we here? It seems like my little boy has decided to play hooky today almost past curfew too” my mother said, her fury barely contained.
“Now, now, Hina,” my grandfather interjects, his voice calm. “Let’s hear him out before we jump to conclusions.” He’s always been good at keeping situations like this from exploding—mainly when it was my parents going at it. Not working right now though.
“Oh, I’m all ears then” mother says, leaning forward, eyes locked on me. “So, what were you up to all day, young man?” she questioned, confident that my excuse would only add on to whatever punishment she’s already cooking up.
I remain neutral in my expression and mannerisms. On the one hand it is my fault for being out so late without telling them (not that I could—my phone died hours ago). On the other hand, I get the feeling that what I’m about to say might get me off the hook.
Staring at my mother and grandfather, I take quick note of their appearance, my mother as usual is wearing a white tank top and her favorite hot pink women's short, her hair is the same as mine and grandfathers (when he was younger) though she cuts it shorter than ours with it being messier, and her piercing eyes are the kind that can cut you down to size by just her sheer glare alone. The only people that can withstand it being me, grandfather, and father. (apparently that’s one of the reasons of how they got together...don’t ask)
Grandfather by contrast is more...modest in his appearance if a little bland. He wears a brown overcoat and under it he’s wearing the same brand of the blue sweater vest he’s had since high school topped off (or bottom) with grey pants. I’ve heard this look is considered cool by a lot of people, but I’m...unconvinced. Since he’s old his hair has gone grey with barely any brown to be had and he has to wear glasses to see even half well. Despite this he’s very muscular for someone so old since he keeps up his workout routine. (doesn’t run anymore though)
“I’m waiting” mother says taking me out of my thoughts. Might as well just go for it.
“I went on a date with a girl” I said plainly for that was the honest truth.
Mother and Grandfather just stare at me...
...
“Can I go to my room no-”
“WHAT!?” Both of them yell out...sigh Seem's the night is just getting started.
Time passes
Scene – The Man Who Would Pass the Torch
For what feels like hours, I sit at the dinner table, cornered by my mother and grandfather as they ask question after question about my date with Mei. The worst part is, I don't even have much to tell them. Sure, I've known Mei for a while—since my first year at Yamaku, actually—but even after today, I can’t say I know her much better than before. Most of our time together was in a group. We never had moments alone like this.
I hung out with Ryo, Chihiro, and Eiko—”the loud”, reckless ones. Mei, on the other hand, sticks with Naomi and some other quieter girls (save for one). The kind who doesn’t jump into trouble because someone dared them. Honestly, it's a miracle I’ve survived some of the stunts we've pulled.
Akemi? She’s the glue that holds the whole group together, reigning us in when needed.
Pam? Well, he’s just… Pam. I have no idea how he fits into any of this.
But now, none of that matters. All I can say for sure is that I like Mei. Maybe she likes me, too. But there’s this nagging doubt—why does she like me? And how much do I really like her?
Just as I start to get lost in my thoughts, my mother lets out a dramatic sigh. “Waaaaahhh, I can’t believe my darling boy is being taken away from me by some foreign—” She barely finishes the sentence before taking another swig of her beer. I wince, and grandfather grimaces. She’s not even coherent at this point.
Grandfather breaks the awkward silence, shifting the conversation. “So, where did you say she’s from again?” He takes a sip of tea, clearly trying to steer us away from mom’s ramblings.
I shift in my seat. “She’s from Japan, Grandfather. It’s just her hair—it’s rare here. I think Mom’s mixing her up with Naomi.”
He nods slowly, deep in thought. He’s got that far-off look on his face again—the same one I get. Is this really what I look like? I should probably work on that.
“Ahem. Anyway, when are Father and Grandmother coming back? They’re still on their scouting trip?” I ask, trying to break the silence.
Grandfather chuckles, his eyes twinkling. “Oh, they just found a nice little lakeside spot. But I won’t spoil the surprise.” He grins, acting like it’s the biggest secret in the world, though I know it’s for another one of his reunions.
“Enough about that. Let’s talk about you, Hisao.”
“M-Me?” I stammer.
“Yes. You seemed... uncertain earlier, talking about your date. You were hoping I’d have the answers to your concerns, weren't you? Until your mother derailed the conversation, that is.” As if on cue, Mom stirs, but thankfully doesn’t wake up this time.
I sigh, nodding. I tell him how I felt like Mei might be rushing things a bit, and how I’m still unsure of my feelings despite how close we’re getting.
Grandfather leans forward, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “You want to know the real problem?”
I nod, expecting some kind of revelation.
“The problem isn’t Mei,” he says slowly. “It’s you.”
His words catch me off guard. I blink, not sure how to respond.
"You see, you're caught between what you think you should feel and what you actually feel. You're so worried about getting it right, you're not letting yourself simply experience the relationship. You're holding back because you're afraid of making a mistake."
I blink, unsure of what to say. "But... what if I'm wrong about her?" I manage to ask.
He chuckles softly. "You won't know unless you let yourself fall a little. Relationships aren’t about certainty; they're about taking risks, being vulnerable, and allowing yourself to feel—even if you don’t have all the answers. That’s what builds closeness. Now, the question is are you willing to let go of control a bit and see where it leads?"
His words hit me harder than I expected, and I realize he's right. "But I do like her grandfather, maybe more than I think"
Grandfather smiles knowingly, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Ah, there's the truth peeking out," he says softly. "You like her, and that's where it all begins. Maybe you're scared of how much, or maybe you're not ready to admit it to yourself just yet."
I shift uncomfortably in my seat, feeling the weight of his words. "But what if... what if it's not enough? What if I can't figure out how I really feel?"
He leans back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "You’re overthinking it, lad. Feelings aren't a problem to solve. You don’t need to ‘figure out’ love. It’s something that grows naturally, over time, through shared moments and trust. Don’t rush it. You’ll know when it’s right, and if it’s not, well... you’ll know that too."
I nod, trying to absorb what he's saying. "So, I just... let things happen?"
Grandfather chuckles. "Exactly. Stop trying to control every outcome. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is let yourself be surprised." He gets up after saying that he puts his cup in the sink and starts throwing away mom’s bottles. “I won’t lie to you though; things may take an unexpected turn through no fault of your own or anyone’s and eventually you will be faced with a choice.” He walks up to me looking very serious like he’s done this before and motions me to get up.
“When you are in this situation do not be overwhelmed, first you breathe, then you think, and then you use this...” he touches my chest, my heart, my scar...and then I put my hand over it, feeling it’s rhythm.
His words sink in, and for the first time in a while, I feel a small sense of relief. Maybe he's right. Granted that last thing he just did was probably the cheesiest thing I have ever seen or heard but I got the message. First, I calmly and rationally think about the situation I’m in ,after that I take in the feelings of not only myself but also of others and in this case the person I want to be with, with all of that put together the answers will appear before me and I chose the “right one”.
I hope it’s the right one...
YAWN
Crap I’m sleepy...
“Get some rest kiddo we’ll have more to talk about” said Grandfather already starting to carry my mother to her room, he’s really athletic for an old guy and his condition is worse than mine.
Well time for bed.
Time passes
Scene – Welcome to my life...What’s new?
Waking up a little earlier than I usually do, I find myself staring at the shower wall as hot water hits my skin, my thoughts still swirling in my head as I try to make sense of what I should do today. My slow deliberation is interrupted by the opening of the bathroom door.
“Hisao honey don’t open the curtains I just need something from here” said my mother who usually gets ready around the same time I do...which also means....she’s...
“MOM!!! WHY DO YOU DO THINGS LIKE THIS IT’S SO WRONG!?!?!?!!?” I spoke aloud making my view stuck to the wall I was previously looking at.
“Ugh honestly Hisao if there is one thing I regret, it was giving you unsupervised internet access at a young age, I told your father and grandfather it was a bad idea, but does anyone listen to me? No and now you're thinking all these impure thoughts, honestly, it’s a miracle someone confessed to you.” when she finished saying that I heard a popping noise...gum popping noise...is this woman for real!!?!?!
No, don’t get distracted I have to defend what little honor/shame I have “I’M NOT A DEGENERATE MOM!!!” ok sure I might’ve gone to a few sites I shouldn’t have, and puberty most definitely didn’t help with that, but It's not like it there was any problems in my development...probably, but I was just a kid, what did she expect?
“Oh? Then if your girlfriend ‘just so happens’ to find your ‘completely unattended computer’ she DEFINATLY won’t get the idea to go through your search history, right?” Mom said in her overly mocking tone pressing every button I have, and it takes every ounce of willpower to not open the curtains, splash her with water (ruining her hair), taking her packs of gum and throwing it out the window. I’d be punished but it be so worth it.
Instead, I keep my cool until she finally leaves, and I can get out as well.
After I get dressed in my school uniform (drinking my medicine as I do), I make my way towards the kitchen for some breakfast finding my mother with a big grin on her face and a WHOLE LOT of pancakes on the table. Grandfather is also there simply sitting down drinking his tea (really likes that stuff). My mother is thankfully wearing her grey business suit, a look that apparently people like as well...again I don’t see it.
“C’mon Hicchan~ can’t go to your lady friend on an empty stomach” she says warmly (yet still teasing) waiting for me to sit down so she can serve me the pancakes something she only does when she’s very happy.
I decided to test the waters “oh? does this mean I have your blessing?” I say nonchalantly digging in to my pancakes practically finishing my first plate and going for seconds before she can answer.
“Ha! Don't get cocky kid you still need to decide exactly how you feel and that can change at any time” mother said in a somewhat stern but still lighthearted way eating her food as well all the while grandfather is just enjoying the conversation on the sidelines.
We talk about various things for bit eating as we do. I try to get her back for the bathroom incident by pointing out her ‘disgusting’ minty breath a simple plan and one she tries brushing off much to grandfathers' chagrin who is the only person that can make mother wince with his own glare. Occasionally when grandfather puts his paper down to look at the tv at the living room (that we can see from the kitchen) I try to read what page he is on despite it being upside down, in the paper I recognized a few names and words specifically about an old, retired track star and a famous if very eccentric artist, I smile knowing why he was on that same page for so long. Mother then tells me that father and grandmother will be coming back today so no matter happens at school I get right back here to greet them...
Suddenly her tone completely shifted when she said, “whoever you decide to be with I’d want to see them, naturally to get a good look at them and possible any ‘challenges’ they face cause despite my drunken stupor there was one thing I made sure to remember above all else and I think you know what I mean.”.
I gently touched my chest a little taken aback at what’s she’s saying and then I recalled when Mei hit her head on it. Grandfather puts down his paper and looked at me. It seems he had his own talk with mother.
“I know it was an accident sweetie but even then, what would have happened if you had passed out in the middle of the snow?” She says her face is a mixture of sadness and seriousness. As for a response to her question, my silence and downcast head is enough.
“I’m sorry I’ve brought down the mood even though it’s my job as a mother to worry about things like this especially since this is your last year of high school” my head jerks back up at those final words ‘last year’ I think it’s just now hitting me that this really is the last year of my life where I can just be a kid, maybe this is the last time I see most of my friends I’ve known for years, and above all, I need to figure out what I want to do with my life.
Mother sensing this sudden revelation adds “whatever you are going to do going forward I’ll support you HOWEVER, if it’s something that could put your life in jeopardy I’m going to have to put my foot down and were going to have to come with a compromise if there is one, ok?” she says while grandfather starts putting away the plates of food
“Of course” I say rather absent mindedly not because I don’t agree with her it’s more so I’m still taking in everything
Honestly, I should have expected this...
When my mother found out I had arrythmia, I was about 4 (such an unlucky number) which was a shock to her and father, but it didn't really affect them all that much. While she may not have arrythmia herself (we don’t know for sure) she understood the gravity of the condition better than most even if mine is a “mild case”, then again there was that one time when it almost became severe due to my own stupidity and negligence...another story entirely...
Mother lived in the original Yamaku academy when she was around 14 and thus experienced the many ways the students there tried to live a good stable life despite their own challenges and disabilities, many succeeded...just as many didn’t...later on she joined the Hakamichi foundation after high school which is also how she met father who...uh...where do I even begin?
Back to mother, she wanted to help people and while that journey has yet to end, I’d like to say she’s been doing an amazing job so far...
We clean up after ourselves when “the talk” was done, the silence is heavy with tension as we finally prepare for the day ahead as I pick up my school bag. Just as I’m about to leave through the door, “Hisao wait! One more thing” mother yells quickly getting to me.
She seems rather reserved now, probably thinking she went a little too far in her talk even though I felt like she just stated the bare facts that I needed to face even if they are a little harsh.
“This is the last thing I will say” she grips my shoulders with her hands “no matter what happens...you will always be my dearly beloved son” When she said that I hugged her, tightly. She froze at first but then reciprocated throwing in a kiss on the forehead too, I wonder if she’s afraid.
Afraid that the moment her son leaves her sight for probably years at a time he will be ok without her. I feel that answer is obvious but then I remember a story father once told me about a friend of hers who despite trying so hard to live a better life after an accident that took away his ability to walk on his legs...he...did something unforgivable and mom blames herself the most.
I can’t promise nothing will happen to me, that’s not how life works, but I can promise to try and live for as long as I can with my head held high no matter what.
Finally, I leave and hear one last thing from grandfather saying something to mother who seemed on the verge of tears “he’ll be alright Hina if I could make it, he’ll be just fine”
Time passes
Scene – Wander around Yamaku
As I walk to school I get to the intersection where I last left Mei, I wonder if I should wait for her until I remembered she said something about how her parents drop her off at school and then takes a bus home, so I keep moving.
I’ve always like the winter days especially when the sun is out as it’s such a weird yet nice feeling, the sun sharing it’s warmth to us on earth yet here we are still feeling the cold, the snow is slightly melting but only a little bit leaving behind patches of frost that creates a reflective surface, a few clouds over head to signify the coming snowflakes, and as I keep walking I find myself among the other students of Yamaku.
“oh crap!” someone calls out, and I look towards them, and I see they’ve dropped their phone which is now sliding across the frost I noticed earlier.
Luckily, it’s sliding towards me and I’m standing on a frostless surface so this should be- “OUT OF THE WAY!!!” it seems that someone is making the mistake of trying to do everything herself and is running towards me...on the frost...I guess it’s impressive she hasn’t-
“woah!” ah there it is, she has slipped and is now sliding on the frost while still reaching for her phone
“Sigh this is gonna hurt” I say as both the phone and the girl are sliding towards me, if I take this position and move at the right time, I should be able to catch them while stopping their momentum, so they don’t slide on the road.
As she gets closer, I can see the determination in her eyes, a mixture of focus and sheer panic. “Just a little more” I murmur under my breath, like a sports commentator narrating a race. “And...now!”
I lunge forward, arms outstretched, and for a split second, time feels like it slows down. I can almost hear the dramatic music playing in the background. I feel the rush of adrenaline as I reach out and—smack!...ow...
“Nice save!” someone calls out from the sidelines, and I groan, half-embarrassed and half-proud. I roll over and sit up, I extend my hand towards the girl who’s cradling the phone like a trophy and she takes my hand getting up with me (this feels familiar). Well, there was my good deed for the day...actually...let me feel this for a sec...
“Thanks! I thought I was going to lose it for good! All while tasting the road” she says while I look over at her brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear, and I can’t help but notice how she’s a total mess, her cheeks flushed from running and the cold. “Uh are you ok?” you're asking me this?
Oh, right I’m feeling out my heart and she’s probably thinking it’s her fault which...I mean...
“Yeah I’m fine, just need to be careful as I can take a punch or three but only if I’m expecting it” I say trying to soothe any doubts
“Uh, that doesn’t give me much confide- hey are you Hisao?” the girl says interrupting herself and I get a bad feeling.
“Noseeyou” I quickly say and just as quickly make tracks leaving the girl most definitely flustered.
Scene – 8 Don't Worry 0 Be Happy 0
I start see the school in the distance, so I make a quick stop at the park where Mei confessed to me...this is so awkward I’ve hung out at this place so often, yet it never really felt all that special but now there’s this-
SNAP
The sound of camera snap, which can only mean one thing “Ryohei what have I told you about taking pictures while people aren’t noticing” I say in a clearly frustrated voice and as usual he just brushes it off while walking towards me.
“The shot was perfect, and I took a chance look” he says in a very monotonous voice before showing me the photograph. I played along looking at the photograph and admit it’s a very good shot and what surprised me most was that I was smiling. “You seemed very happy standing out here in the cold, so I wanted to capture it” once again very monotonous but there’s a hint at something called “enthusiasm” for taking a nice shot.
“Good job but again you can’t just take random pictures of people man not everyone is going to be as forgiving elsewhere as they are here” I say trying to get through to him...and failing miserably
“I have a silent feature” Ryo said as if that solved everything.
“THAT MAKES IT WORSE!!” I yell more out of desperation than actual anger
“hm” is the only sound he makes before just walking away, doesn’t even say ‘come on let’s go to school’ he just goes his own way.
I give a big sigh and begin to catch up to him since despite his...everything we always try to walk together.
This is Ryohei Toriyama (Ryo for short) and as he has just demonstrated he’s a photographer and is part of the photography club, one of its best members in fact due to his keen eye and sometimes...creative/unconventional methods of getting the ever elusive “perfect shot”.
like this one time he climbed up a tree hung upside down on one of the branches by hooking his legs on said branch all to take a picture of some birds (supposedly they were some “rare” birds).Doesn’t sound that crazy until I mention that he only has one arm, yes one, specifically missing his left arm.
“Who is this guy!?” everyone’s first thought, Well by his own admission he’s an “artistic realist” seeing the world and life in general for what it is rather than any sort of abstract interpretation like how other artists try to do things. This does somewhat boil down to full blown pessimism at times which makes one wonder why he’s even into art in the first place. My answer? It's complicated.
At the end of the day, he’s very passionate person just trying to figure himself out like we all are.
As we keep walking towards the school getting ever closer, Ryo starts saying “why do we keep going to school Hisao? It's just a giant waste of time to learn things we could literally learn anywhere else and probably better” here comes that pessimism and usually I have a good enough response.
I begin to say “we’ve been over this Ryo we go to this school for two reasons; one we are here to receive an education in order to develop essential skills like reading and writing to critical thinking and problem-solving, not to mention helping us in our personal growth and exposure to other people our age. The second is that we go to this school specifically for people who are afflicted with certain...challenges...”
I tug on the tied up sleave where his left arm is supposed to be to emphasize my point “so we can figure out how to live in society while also dealing with our own problems in our own way” I have always believed in these words even if nowadays flaws upon flaws are being shown about this argument and why it doesn’t really work mainly in the western world.
Ryo begins his counter argument “Hisao, your second point, about us being here because of our ‘challenges’... it's weak. Look at me." He gestures toward his missing arm, actual frustration creeping into his voice. "Sure, I don't have another arm. So what? I've lived my entire life without one. It's not like losing something you once had—this is my normal. I don't need some special environment to figure out how to live. And you? Your arrhythmia might affect your life, but you're not helpless. You don't need this school either." by the time we’ve reached the school gate he stops to look at me so he can make the next point.
“And as for your first point—about learning essential skills? Come on, Hisao. How much of what we're taught here do we actually use in real life? We're spoon-fed information to pass tests, but is that really preparing us? The world outside is different, unpredictable. We learn more from life itself than from sitting in a classroom, don’t you think?"
Ryo's eyes flicker with something between conviction and defiance. He crosses his...arm, waiting for me to answer.
I can’t give one because of how...astonishing his response was. Usually when we get to this point in this specific argument, he spouts off some nonsense he probably got from some 2-channel forum where people just throw around their anger with reckless abandon thanks to anonymity (not that I would know about that stuff myself obviously). Here his argument, while still having some flaws, has an almost airtight logic to it. There are so many things I could say but they would all sound fake and “fakeness” is the one thing Ryo hates above all else, he can tolerate it for a time though I suspect right now he’s already at his limit.
...
What can I say? Nothing is an option. Not a good one.
Or I say this from the heart.
“I wouldn't have gotten to meet you if not for this school or any of you” I say without any hint of sarcasm hoping my words get through to him. “Oh? O-o-oh!!! I...um...I f-f-feel the s- wait aren’t you and Mei dating?” I could tell what I said affected him and it’s been a while since I saw a face of confusion from him, and it could just be a trick of the light, but I swear I saw a blu-
Huh?
Scene – Hustle with Bustle
Ryo and I say our goodbyes as we finally enter the school through the overly grandiose entrance, a monument to the overdone sense of importance the administration just loves (though I’d never dare say that to my grandfather). The main halls are packed with students both “normal” and “unique” going every manner of directions to do who knows what, it’s unfortunate that we have classes located literally on the opposite sides of the school, but I suppose it was going to happen sooner or later
I always tried to get the same classes as my friends and surpassingly it worked out our first three years here probably because we all went for the same subjects.
This time however almost like life was trying to tell me something that I ignored for the better part of my own life, all of us ended up picking different classes too suit our different interests since again “last year of high school”, thus this is the sort of last chance to try and figure out what to do with our lives.
Turns out every else already had a good idea of at least where they want to go while I’m still on the fact that everyone at school knows about my little date with Mei...oh yeah, that.
No, that should be saved for later. As I go through the probably too large school, I pass by the library, its wide-open doors catching my attention. They're never open like that. Curious, I peek inside and see the reason: a small tour group, led by none other than...
“And here, we have a wall of memorabilia from their later years” said the white flower of Yamaku.
First, she pointed to a sleek, high-end tablet, its surface smudged with fingerprints from constant use. Next to it lay a set of noise-cancelling headphones, the same bright pink hue, though more refined and professional than the ones they used to wear along with the contrasting motorcycle and biker gear (how did they even-?). “These belonged to someone whose voice could carry across continents. She took her talent for bringing people together and made it her career, coordinating international events that kept her busy, but never too busy for a chat with an old friend.”
Next was a pair of pristine black gloves that rested on a neatly folded business suit jacket and beside it was a nameplate, its polished surface gleaming. The plaque read only "CEO" in bold letters. “These were worn by a visionary. Someone who turned every challenge into an opportunity and reshaped entire industries, always with precision, always with control. Even when her position demanded complete silence, her actions spoke louder than anything.”
Lastly, her gaze fell upon an old, worn leather satchel, sitting next to a framed photograph of a research team standing in front of a state-of-the-art lab. The bag looked like it had traveled the world, its straps fraying at the edges. “And here we have the well-worn tools of a man who never stopped learning. He became a respected figure in medical research, devoting his life to helping those with conditions like his own. His heart may have been fragile, but his resolve? Unbreakable.”
To finish off the presentation she moved towards the center piece of the whole wall “This large picture shows Shiina Mikado, Shizune Hakamichi, and Hisao Nakai in front of the original Yamaku Academy, striking a pose like that of the three musketeers.”
Above the picture she just presented is a more “professional looking” picture with grandfather at the center with his arms wrapped around both-
“Are Mr. Nakai and Ms. Hakamichi dating?” one of the kids asks, in that blunt way only children can manage.
“That information is irrelevant to this tour” she said without missing a beat
“what’s your name again I was late for the tour” another kid pipes up, apparently just now catching up.
“Thought I noticed a few more of you, well once again my name is Akemi Matsuda pleasure to make your acquaintance” is that a smile I see from her?
Then, of course, the inevitable happens.
“HOLY SHIT IS THAT MR. NAKAI” one kid yelled...at me?
“Excuse me! That kind of language will not be tolerated-” before she could finish that sentence everyone in the library room including Akemi looks towards me the grandson of the people they were just talking about (assuming they can figure that out) and I wonder to myself...when did I walk in here?
Akemi, ever composed, just moves along “Now, if we could all settle down,” she says firmly, her voice bringing back a semblance of order. “Do any of you have questions?
The students look hesitant unsure if they want to incur her wrath which means they’ve already seen “that side” of her earlier until one student raises her hand, Akemi sees it and gives the ok to ask
“Why do you have that childish photo of the founders? It seems out of place”, woah, an audacious question for a kid, but Akemi seems intrigued.
Akemi then response “what an interesting question” she points back to the photo before continuing “what do you see here? Three kids that have just graduated from school and are about to embark on a journey and they had no idea where it would take them” she starts pacing around the group and continues “As we’ve just went over, Mikado went to study abroad, Hakamichi went into business and became a successful philanthropist, and Nakai-”
She stops and starts looking at me, her expression a mixture of apprehension and nostalgia. “Before going into the medical field, Nakai became a teacher at the original Yamaku academy. Sometime later Ms. Hakamichi founded...well the Hakamichi foundation before it was later renamed Yamaku in honor of their old school, this foundation was made to help people like us, like me by creating environments such as this school and many others to bridge the divide between all people no matter who they are” she finishes, her voice softening as if she’s reflecting on something personal.
The students exchange glances, sensing there’s more behind her words. Akemi pauses, her gaze lingering on the photo for a moment longer before she turns back to the group.
"That picture represents the beginning of everything," she explains, "It's a reminder that no matter how uncertain the path may seem, success often comes from taking that first step into the unknown." She straightens up, her usual sharpness returning. "So, if you think it's out of place, maybe that's because you haven't started your journey yet." The room falls silent as the weight of her words sinks in.
“This school, while fairly recent, has witnessed generations of students, each leaving behind their own mark, just as you will one day. But remember, the stories of the past are not to be disturbed by such interruptions” she says looking at me
“Yeah, uh who is-”
“no one of importance” she says cutting off the kid and most likely made him pass bricks (and maybe awakened something) and I can feel the seething scorn coming off her which is quite ironic. For some reason she takes a deep breath...
“Pamaki !” she yells out catching everyone off guard and the unfortunate student she just called walks out from his hiding spot. He’s a short one with black hair that’s rather disheveled with glasses hiding his sea-green eyes and shaky demeanor. A doormat to put it bluntly and it doesn’t help that his glasses are so big and round it just makes him look...very annoying and highly punchable (I shouldn’t say that about my friend but considering his servitude to Akemi, can’t say it’s unwarranted).
“You will take care of the rest of the tour, I have some...business to take care of” she said with violent intent.
However, her “business” (me) is already going through the library exit and on their way to class.
Time passes
also welcome to the forums lol.