Katawa Shoujo Forums

Well I guess that's it
and just so you know I intentionally used "Sayonara y adios" wrong
glad to see you pointed that out

I see now I might have been too hasty myself in responding which I feel now has lead to an even greater misunderstanding and that's on me; I may re-write my act 1 scenes but honestly they would just reach to the same outcome and I'd rather work on act 2

once again if you're even reading thanks for the advice and goodbye

Hello and welcome to the forums. There were a lot of things that people commented on for your work. I have two suggestions of my own.

First, please take the time to slow down. Take a breather. some of your sentences could fill a page worth of exposition. For example, you wrote how Mei like's tempura. That is great. Show us. Take five minutes to write the scene or even her own dialogue saying she likes tempura. A throwaway fact won't stick. What does stick is Hisao liking Dance Dance. You took time to explain him playing that, and now I will associate it with this character. Please do that more.

Second, there were some aspects of the story that were starting to do more, tell a story, add something material wise. Then, you undercut them with a poorly timed joke. If you want to do this, that's fine, but just know it makes the reader disconnect from the story being told. For example, IO really started to enjoy the scene with Hisao and his grandpa, until this:

Vincent wrote: Sun Aug 18, 2024 3:09 pm

Granted that last thing he just did was probably the cheesiest thing I have ever seen or heard

Why was this necessary? Of course it's cheesy. You don't need to tell us that. It's distracting.

All in all, I hope you take the criticisms from everyone and improve your work! More fanfics is always a goodthing.

I don't think this is an improvement, honestly, either.

-One whole post in Japanese exclusively to make a supposed joke: this is the Fan Fiction section, intended for KS fanfiction and feedback to same. Banter obviously happens, but let's not go too far off the reservation.
-Multiple scene names mid-post, multiple choices: this is writing, not a VN, and even if it was a VN those names would not ordinarily be onscreen. Why are you trying to imitate a VN? Think of a book instead. It's divided in chapters, which sometimes - but not always - have a name beyond "Chapter X". All those names you put in mainly provide jarring speedbumps, writing should be more organic. There's a sticky specifically banning CYOA here, in case you were thinking of going in that direction.
-Spelling and grammar: very modest improvements, occasional run-on sentences. Don't discount SpaG, most readers' reaction at the third error in a short time is to go away and look for enjoyment elsewhere.
-General style: overuse of capitals, parentheticals, and other formatting. Ironically, no formatting used where it could be warranted.
-Arguing with your readers, as opposed to discussing: Long ago, I made a post in the "Tips for writers" sticky concerning that.
-Asking for feedback, presumably on your content: No. You don't deserve that until your writing has few or no mistakes, top to bottom, no matter what. Don't fall into the "I'll fix it later" trap; later will never come.

Thank you for your suggestions truthfully
and I am genuinely sorry if my recent behavior has been unacceptable

as for your suggestions I do have a habit of writing for way longer than I should it just happens and I'm getting a little better at it
I'll keep in mind showing more about the characters since that whole date was mainly about Mei and Hisao

About that "cheesy" line it was meant to show how the new Hisao jr saw things more practically than emotionally kind of like how his grandfather was way back when in the original story
but as this story goes on this mindset is challenged and then changed for the better
whether or not it's necesary well I'll think about that if (a pretty BIG if) I redo act 1
but act 2 comes first
right now

Act 2: Kako Monogatari; Final Reunion

(So soon? Yes, believe it or not I got a real kick in motivation after realizing how much of an idiot I was and will probably continue to be in the future. More details in the afterword)

Real quick perspectives switch around and I purposefully keep it vague

Scene – Lullaby of open eyes on a Little House

I find myself in a vast forest. The trees are lush and green, swaying effortlessly with the wind, alive in a way that feels surreal. I climb one of them, hoping to get a better view, to figure out where I am and how to make my way home. But when I reach the top, all I see is an endless sea of trees.

The sky doesn’t help—it’s a gloomy, oppressive gray, with thick clouds blotting out the sun. Yet, in the distance, I spot something: an encampment, or maybe a settlement of some kind. When I climb back down, I notice a worn path that wasn’t there before.

There’s no choice but to follow it.

As I walk, I notice something unsettling—the forest is too quiet. There’s the faint rustling of leaves and the occasional groan of trees swaying, but no animals, no insects. Nothing else stirs. The deeper I go, the stranger it feels. The trees... they’re wrong, aren’t they? Too perfect in their imperfection, as if someone tried to recreate a forest from memory and missed the details.

To test a hunch, I pinch my cheek.

...Nothing.

No pain. I’m dreaming. My body must be somewhere, sound asleep, while my mind wanders this off-kilter world. That would explain why I don’t even know who I am.

The thought should terrify me, but instead, it’s oddly calming. In this dream, I’m just... here. No identity to cling to, no need to act a certain way or meet anyone’s expectations. It’s as if, for once, I’m... alive...moving in an ever flowing, present. But there’s a catch.

Eventually, this dream...life will end. And when it does, all that remains of me will be whatever I’ve left behind.

I sigh. I’m getting too old for this kind of introspection.

The path opens into a clearing, revealing what I thought was an encampment. It’s not. Instead, there’s a lakehouse, serene and unassuming. Behind it lies a vast lake, stretching endlessly toward the horizon. I’m certain I didn’t see this lake from the treetop earlier—dream logic, I suppose.

I approach the house cautiously. Even in a dream, I’d rather wake up gently than be startled into consciousness. I think about my condition... my arrhythmia. Right, that’s it. The thought lingers, heavy in my mind.

I decide against entering the house. If this dream has some hidden agenda, I’d rather not dredge up my entire life story tonight. Instead, I walk around the house toward the dock, drawn to the lake.

At the edge of the dock, I spot someone sitting—a child, their legs dangling just above the water. I feel an inexplicable pull, like I’m supposed to join them. So, I sit down beside the boy, and together we stare out at the lake.

The water is unremarkable, and yet it feels infinite, eternal. There’s nothing particularly special about this moment, but it’s... nice. Comforting, even. It feels as though we’ve sat here many times before and will sit here again, countless times to come.

Then, I hear something.

Turning around, I see the Lakehouse bustling with people. Their figures are blurry, indistinct, but they move with familiarity, waving at me like old friends who haven’t seen me in years. Before I can process this, the boy tugs at my sleeve.

I look at him closely for the first time. His face... it’s mine. Or no, not exactly. It’s similar but different, as though I’m staring at a younger version of myself.

Before I can speak, he pulls me toward the house, desperation and sadness in his eyes. I open my mouth to ask why, but then I turn back toward the lake—and I see it.

Across the water stands a gate, grand and ostentatious, like it’s trying too hard to impress. Beyond it, fragments of a place I know all too well.

Yamaku Academy.

The old buildings are polished but ancient. The stupid painting that I swear haunted every other hallway. The classroom where my favorite teacher still sits, engrossed in a textbook. On the chalkboard behind him, the words “SCIENCE CLUB” are scrawled in messy, familiar handwriting.

He looks up and sees me. His eyes widen in surprise, then soften into a bittersweet smile. It’s the kind of smile that says everything without words: joy at seeing me again, and sadness because we both know what this means.

My time is up.

The boy tugs harder, pleading silently for me to stay. I kneel and hug him tightly, and he clings to me as if letting go would shatter his world.

“It’s okay,” I whisper. “I’ll teach you. It’s the hardest lesson you’ll ever learn, but I know you’ll be alright.”

A train whistle echoes in the distance.

This is my last stop.

Scene – To Become One

I wake up from a dream, a lingering haze left behind in my mind. I try to recall exactly what happened, but it’s like sand slipping through my fingers. Why can’t I feel…?—before I can finish that thought, a soft murmur interrupts me.

“Mhm,” a gentle voice hums beside me. I turn, or try to, and see Mei nestled comfortably on my arm, her grip firm yet gentle. Her lips brush my neck, a faint kiss still lingering, and I can’t help but notice an unusual drain on my energy...around my pelvis, to be precise.

“Ugh…this was a mistake,” I mumble, halfheartedly, feeling a pang of guilt mixed with a reluctant smile. The others are here too, all just a few feet away. If even one of them wakes up and decides to ask what happened between us last night, I’m in for endless teasing. Just imagining it makes my face heat up.

“Who cares…” Mei’s voice drifts through the quiet. She doesn’t even seem fully awake, her words more of a sleepy mumble than anything. She’s still floating somewhere between sleep and euphoria, lost in the comfortable fog of the morning.

I care, I think, knowing her response would be a teasing grin if she were more awake. I whisper, “I care, Mei. If not for our friends, then because my grandfather will be here too, and the last thing I need is a lecture—”

Before I can finish, she places a finger to my lips, her eyes barely open.

“Less talk…more sleep,” she murmurs, tugging the blanket closer and nestling into me again. “Too early…” Her breathing deepens as she drifts back into sleep, her grip tightening just enough to make me feel both comforted and trapped, in the best possible way.

I glance at the clock on the wall and realize she’s right. It’s far too early (and too late) for me to be thinking about what we should or shouldn’t have done. I pull the blanket over us to keep in our warmth, and the steady rhythm of Mei’s breathing lulls me back to sleep.

But instead of slipping into another dream, my mind begins to replay the events that brought me here. I think back on the past few months, everything leading up to now. If I had to sum it up in a single thought, I’d only need a few words:

What a crazy year.

...

After I confessed that I was Mei’s boyfriend, and she claimed herself as my girlfriend in front of “everyone” (eventually), things only got more complicated from there...but that’s a story (a few stories really) for another time.

Scene – Daylight

Eventually, we had to get up. The sun had fully risen, its golden light spilling through the cracks in the curtains, warming the room and leaving no excuse to stay in bed. Mei stirred beside me, letting out a small groan of protest as I gently tried to pull my arm free from her grasp.

“Five more minutes,” she murmured groggily, eyes still closed.

“You’ve been saying that for half an hour,” I teased softly, though my voice carried no real urgency.

The others had already begun to wake. I could hear Eiko’s unmistakable voice teasing Naomi about something trivial, and Ryohei’s loud yawn that could probably wake the entire neighborhood. Akemi, as usual, was quiet—probably up and moving before the rest of us had even opened our eyes.

“Come on, Mei,” I coaxed, finally managing to slip free. “If we don’t get moving soon, Akemi’s going to start complaining that we’re lazy.”

Mei cracked one eye open, a sly smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. “And since when do you care about what Akemi thinks?”

I chuckled. “Since she started calling me ‘prince’ every time she’s annoyed. You know I hate that.” despite the fact that I overcame that little complex but she considerer's this ‘further testing’...pft yeah right.

She laughed softly, then reluctantly sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Her hair was a mess, a wild tangle that made her look both endearing and untouchable, like someone who belonged in the golden hour of a painting.

“Fine, fine,” she said, stretching her arms above her head. “But you owe me breakfast for waking me up early.”

“Deal,” I said, grabbing some clothes, tossing them on and heading out the door.

The lake house was alive now, the air filled with the smells of coffee and faint laughter. Chihiro sat cross-legged on the couch, flipping through a medical book, while Ryohei argued with Naomi over the best way to make pancakes. Eiko, ever the opportunist, was happily eating the fruits of their labor without bothering to weigh in.

As I stepped into the main room, Akemi greeted me with her trademark smirk. “Well, well, look who finally decided to grace us with his presence. The prince awakens.”

“Morning to you too, Akemi,” I muttered, rolling my eyes as Mei joined me, bumping her shoulder against mine playfully.

“You two are disgustingly cute in the mornings,” Akemi quipped, but her teasing lacked its usual bite. “Let’s hurry up and eat; the day’s too nice to waste inside.”

I looked out the window, and she was right. The lake shimmered in the sunlight, reflecting the clear blue sky above. The forest beyond the lakehouse swayed gently in the breeze, as if inviting us to explore its depths. Although when I looked at the tv the forecasts didn;t look too good, but hey forecasts are usually wrong...mostly.

Mei leaned in close, her voice low enough that only I could hear. “You know, I don’t mind being disgustingly cute if it means waking up next to you.”

I felt my cheeks flush, and she laughed as she pulled away, leaving me standing there like an idiot.

“Come on,” she called over her shoulder. “Let’s eat before Akemi starts calling you ‘prince’ again.”

I shook my head, a reluctant smile tugging at my lips, and followed her into the kitchen, where the smell of freshly cooked pancakes and the sound of familiar voices filled the air.

And for a moment, I let myself forget everything else—the lingering dream, the weight of the past year, and the uncertainty of what came next.

For now, this was enough.

Scene – Ease on the Air Guitar

The living room buzzed with a lazy energy, the kind that only exists in the mornings when no one’s in a rush despite our plans to go outside later. Plates clinked faintly against forks as the pancake breakfast dwindled down. Ryohei leaned back in his chair, arms stretched overhead, looking far too satisfied with himself for someone who had argued over the correct way to pour syrup for ten minutes.

Naomi, meanwhile, was sprawled across the couch on Chihiro’s lap, flipping through the music playlist on her phone. “Ugh, this is all so overplayed,” she groaned, shaking her head in frustration. “We need something with life—something to wake this room up.”

Eiko, perched cross-legged on the floor with her coffee in hand, raised an eyebrow. “And I suppose you’re about to grace us with your superior taste oh ‘best leading actress’ ?”

Naomi smirked. “Of course. Someone’s gotta save us from Ryohei’s classic American rock phase. Thanks for that Chi-Chi”

“Hey, Aerosmith is timeless!” Ryohei shot back, crossing his arm. “You’re just too young to appreciate the greatness. Right Chihiro?!”

Chihiro only shrugged at the both of them not really caring about the argument or her fault in it. I’m still surprised Ryo got that into Rock and Roll, I mean we all helped with Chihiro’s big concert and what not be he’s really into it.

“Greatness?” Naomi snorted. “Please, you’re one step away from air-guitaring in a bathrobe.”

“That’s it,” Ryohei declared, leaping to his feet with an unseen dramatic flair grabbing his prosthetic arm in the process. “You’ve left me no choice. The air guitar is coming out.”

“Do it, and I’m recording,” Akemi warned from the corner, phone already in hand.

But Ryohei was undeterred. With an exaggerated sweep of his arm, he grabbed an imaginary guitar and struck a pose that was equal parts ridiculous and oddly impressive. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced in a deep, mock-serious voice, “prepare yourselves for a performance of epic proportions.”

Before anyone could stop him, he launched into an over-the-top rendition of an invisible guitar solo, complete with exaggerated strumming, wild hair flips, and occasional jumps that shook the floor.

Naomi groaned, burying her face in a pillow, while Eiko looked on with a mix of amusement and second-hand embarrassment. Akemi, true to her word, was already filming, her laughter breaking through the chaos. Chihiro surprisingly looked impressed with Ryohei? Never thought I’d see the day.

Mei, sitting beside me with her knees pulled up to her chest, leaned over and whispered, “You know he’s never going to live this down, right?”

“Oh, he’ll live it down,” I replied, grinning. “Mostly because Naomi will do something even more ridiculous by the end of the day.”

“Hey!” Naomi called out from the couch, glaring at me as though she’d heard every word. “I heard that!”

“Good,” I said, smirking. “It’s true.”

As Ryohei dropped to his knees for a dramatic finish, complete with an imaginary pick toss into the air, the room erupted into applause and laughter. Even Naomi couldn’t help but join in, though she quickly followed up with, “Okay, okay, fine. You win. For now. But don’t get too comfortable, Ryohei. The air-guitar crown is mine next.”

“Bring it on,” Ryohei shot back, grinning ear to ear.

For a moment, the room felt like a bubble, insulated from the rest of the world. No worries, no plans, just the comfortable ease of friends being their ridiculous, genuine selves.

And as I leaned back in my chair, Mei resting her head on my shoulder, I thought to myself looking out a window...did the light just go out?

Scene – Raindrops and puddles

The first thing I noticed was the smell. That unmistakable earthy scent of rain soaked into the air, creeping in through the cracked windows. It was one of those rains that seemed to come out of nowhere despite the weather forecasts—one minute, the clouds were lazy and unassuming, and the next, the steady patter of droplets against the glass filled the room.

“Rain,” Akemi murmured, glancing toward the window. She balanced her cup of tea in one hand, the other tapping absently against the frame. “Didn’t see that coming.”

“It’s not so bad,” Mei said, still curled up beside me on the couch. She looked out the window with a soft smile. “It’s kind of peaceful. Like the world’s taking a breather.”

“Peaceful?” Naomi scoffed, standing up to stretch. “More like an excuse to stay cooped up in here all day. Again.”

Ryohei gave her a look as he sprawled dramatically across the floor. “Oh no, poor Naomi,” he teased, “forced to endure another day in the comfort of friends, food, and truly exceptional air guitar performances. How tragic.”

Naomi tossed a pillow at him, but her aim was off, and it smacked into Eiko instead. “Watch it!” Eiko grumbled, though she barely looked up from her book.

The banter fizzled out as the rain picked up, growing louder and more rhythmic, like a gentle drumline. I watched as rivulets of water streaked down the windowpane, blurring the world outside into a soft, watercolor haze.

And then, through that haze, a figure appeared.

At first, it was just a silhouette, distorted by the rain and distance. But as they moved closer, stepping through puddles with an almost deliberate slowness, the shape became unmistakable.

“Is that…?” I muttered, sitting up straighter.

Mei followed my gaze and frowned. “Your grandfather?”

The others turned to look as well, their chatter dying down as the man approached the door. The air in the room shifted, the lighthearted energy replaced by something heavier, something quieter.

The knock came, firm and steady, just as I’d expected.

I stood, suddenly aware of the tension in my chest, and made my way to the door. When I opened it, there he was—Grandpa Hisao, standing in the rain with an umbrella in one hand and a small, slightly battered briefcase in the other. His expression was calm, but his eyes…they held that same quiet intensity I’d grown up with.

“Hisao,” he greeted me simply, his voice low and steady.

“Grandfather,” I replied, stepping aside to let him in.

He shook the umbrella out carefully before closing it, placing it by the door. As he stepped inside, his presence seemed to fill the room, commanding attention without a single word.

“Looks like I arrived just in time for the rain,” Grandfather said, glancing around at the group.

“So you all made it. Good,” he continued, setting his umbrella down carefully near the door. His voice carried the same calm authority it always did, grounding yet subtly commanding attention. “The others should arrive later tonight, and we can have a proper graduation party.”

“Finally!” Ryohei and Eiko cheered, pumping a fist in the air as he sat up straighter. “I was starting to think we’d be stuck in pre-party limbo forever,” Both of them continued

Naomi rolled her eyes, smirking. “What’s the rush, Ryohei? Nervous you’ll lose your spotlight if there’s actual competition for attention?”

“Please.” Ryohei grinned, brushing imaginary dust off his shoulder. “The more people, the bigger the audience for my grand finale. I thrive under pressure.”

“Well, you're on your own for that one so don’t expect any help,” Said Chihiro it’s so odd not see her jump at the opportunity to try and impress people with her skills but...well it’s a nice change of pace

“More people just means more chaos,” Akemi muttered, pulling her knees to her chest as she leaned against the armrest of the couch. “Not sure I’m ready for that.”

Grandfather chuckled softly, his gaze sweeping across the room. “Don’t worry, Akemi. Chaos or not, these moments are worth cherishing. Besides, I’ll be around to keep things in check.”

“Famous last words,” Mei teased, nudging me with her elbow. Her playful smile seemed to cut through the tension lingering in the air since Grandpa’s arrival.

I smiled back, though it was a little forced. Grandfather being here wasn’t exactly a surprise—he’d told me weeks ago he’d make it for the party—but seeing him now, standing in the middle of our little group like he belonged, felt...odd. Not bad, just odd.

Grandfather gestured toward the kitchen. “Is there tea? Or coffee, maybe? It feels like a day for something warm.”

“I’ll get it!” Mei offered, springing to her feet before I could say anything.

“No, no, stay,” Grandfather said, waving her back down. “You’re the guests here. I’ll take care of it. Besides,” he added with a twinkle in his eye, “it gives me a chance to poke around the kitchen and see how you’re all eating.”

Ryohei groaned dramatically. “Great, now we’re being inspected.”

Grandfather ignored him, disappearing into the kitchen with the ease of someone who knew exactly what he was doing.

As soon as he was out of earshot, Naomi leaned closer, whispering, “He’s nice, but I swear he’s got this...intense vibe, you know? Like he could read your deepest secrets just by looking at you.”

“Tell me about it,” I muttered.

Mei tilted her head, giving me a curious look. “You don’t seem thrilled about him being here. Something up?”

I hesitated, glancing toward the kitchen. “It’s not that. It’s just…he has this way of cutting through all the noise. Asking the questions I don’t want to think about. I know he means well, but…”

“But he makes you think,” Akemi finished for me, her tone more understanding than I expected.

I nodded. “Exactly.”

The rain continued to patter against the windows, a steady rhythm that somehow made the silence between us feel less awkward. I glanced toward the kitchen again, wondering what Grandfather was really here to talk about. Something told me it wasn’t just the graduation party.

A few minutes later, he returned, carrying a tray with cups of tea and a plate of neatly arranged cookies. “Here we go,” he said, setting it on the table.

Naomi raised an eyebrow. “Cookies? Did you just...make those?”

“They were already in the pantry,” he said, taking a seat. “Though I did reheat them. They’re better warm.”

Ryohei immediately grabbed one, biting into it with a satisfied hum. “Not bad, old man.”

Grandfather chuckled, but his eyes were back on me. “So, Hisao,” he began, his tone casual but pointed, “how does it feel? Graduation, the next chapter, all of it. Ready for what’s ahead?”

I froze, my mind scrambling for an answer. Of course he’d go straight for the big question.

Scene – Wiosna: Memories of a Passing Time

The rain had softened to a gentle drizzle by the time Grandfather, and I stepped outside, just under the overhang of the porch. The others were still inside, probably enjoying the cookies and tea, but I knew he wanted a private moment. The air smelled fresh, like wet earth and distant blossoms.

“Spring,” Grandfather said suddenly, his voice soft but firm.

“Huh?” I asked, glancing at him.

Gazing out at the rain He continue, “I always thought of spring as a time for memories—not just new beginnings but looking back at everything that brought you to those moments.”

I leaned against the wooden beam, letting his words settle. Grandfather had this way of weaving his thoughts together like they were part of some larger story, one you weren’t always sure you were ready to hear.

“You’re thinking about your friends again, aren’t you?” I ventured.

He smiled faintly, his eyes still on the rain. “Always. They’re as much a part of me as the choices I made back then. It’s funny,” he added after a pause, “how time changes so much, yet some things remain. The laughter, the heartaches, the bonds—you carry them with you, whether you realize it or not.”

There was a weight in his words, one I couldn’t quite match yet. “Do you ever...regret anything?” I asked hesitantly.

He turned to me, his expression thoughtful. “Of course. Everyone does. But regrets aren’t meant to hold you back, Hisao. They’re reminders of what mattered, of what still matters. And if you’re lucky, they guide you forward, not back.”

I nodded slowly, unsure of what to say. The rain continued its quiet rhythm, a comforting background to the moment.

Grandfather reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small, worn photo album. “I wanted to show you something,” he said, flipping it open.

The first picture was of a much younger Grandfather, surrounded by a group of people my age. I recognized the Yamaku uniform immediately.

“These are my friends,” he said, his voice tinged with both warmth and sorrow. “Lilly, Hanako, Emi, Rin, Shizune, Misha and many others...each one of them left an indelible mark on my life.”

I leaned closer, studying their faces. There was something almost surreal about seeing them frozen in time like this especially grandmother’s—smiling, carefree, their lives still ahead of them.

“That’s Lilly,” he pointed to a tall, elegant girl with soft features. “Graceful, wise, and always willing to listen along with a cup of tea. And Hanako so kind, but so afraid of the world at first hence why’s she hiding behind the hat.”

He continued, pointing out each of them. Emi, with her infectious energy running towards the picture. Rin, lost in her own artistic world but still smiling. Shizune, sharp and determined yet could be laid back. And Misha, her ever-cheerful companion even though I think grandfather is teasing her in the photo.

“You were close,” I said quietly.

He nodded, his smile bittersweet. “Closer than I ever realized at the time. It’s only later that you understand what people mean to you.”

He flipped the page, revealing more photos—snapshots of a life I could barely imagine. School festivals, late-night study sessions, some pictures of the school's faculty, quiet moments under a tree. Each one told a story, a fragment of who he was.

“I wanted to show you this,” he said, closing the album and handing it to me, “because it’s important to remember where you come from. These memories—they shape you, Hisao. And one day, you’ll look back on your time with your friends and realize just how much they meant.”

I stared at the album in my hands, feeling its weight—not just physical, but emotional. “Thanks, Grandfather,” I said softly.

He smiled, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve got a good group of friends, Hisao. Cherish them. Because time...time moves faster than you think.”

For a moment, we stood there in silence, the rain painting the world in shades of gray and green. And as I looked at the old photos and thought about my own friends inside, I realized he was right.

Scene –Afternoon

The rain had finally stopped, leaving the world bathed in that peculiar golden glow that comes after a storm. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of wet leaves and earth, and the distant chirping of birds heralded the return of clear skies.

“We should go before the light starts to fade,” I suggested, glancing at the forest just beyond the clearing.

Mei stretched lazily, her arms reaching high above her head. “About time! I was starting to think we’d just sit around all day.”

Naomi grinned, slipping on a pair of boots. “You say that, but you’re the one who practically melted into the couch earlier.”

Mei stuck her tongue out in response, but her teasing smirk didn’t waver.

The rest of the group began gathering their things. Naomi began by getting her protective glasses, while Akemi grabbed a backpack packed with water, snacks, and then putting some special protective clothing just in case, while Ryohei, ever the planner, carried a folded map of the area and put a sleeve over his prosthetic arm. Eiko seemed more hesitant, her eyes flitting nervously toward the dense tree line, but Chihiro gave her an encouraging nudge.

“Don’t worry,” Chihiro said with a reassuring smile. “It’s just trees. Worst case, we get a little muddy.”

“Worst case, we get lost and wander until sundown,” Eiko muttered, though her lips curled into a small smile despite herself. It would make sense Eiko would still be afraid of water which includes mud but thanks to the continued support of Akemi and even Haruki of all people she’s much better about it now as in she can actually stand in water.

Grandfather watched us from the porch, his hands resting on the railing. “Be careful out there,” he called out. “The forest has its own way of testing people, but it’ll reward you if you respect it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, adjusting my jacket.

He chuckled, his voice carrying the warmth of someone who had learned from experience. “You’ll find out soon enough.”

With that cryptic remark lingering in the air, we set off toward the forest.

...

The path into the woods was damp but not overly muddy, the ground cushioned by a layer of fallen leaves. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, dapping the trail in patterns of light and shadow. The deeper we went, the quieter the world became, the hum of civilization fading into the background.

“Wow,” Akemi breathed, pausing to take in the scenery. “It’s like stepping into another world.”

“I bet this place looks amazing in fall,” Ryohei said, snapping a bunch of photo’s with his camera.

As we walked, we began to spread out, each of us drawn to different parts of the forest. Ryohei and Chihiro examined a moss-covered log, marveling at the tiny mushrooms sprouting from its surface. Mei darted ahead, her energy seemingly endless somehow (I know here leg is better but still), while Naomi lingered near the back, her gaze wandering upward toward the towering trees.

“This feels...familiar,” I murmured, more to myself than anyone else.

“Familiar how?” Mei asked, appearing at my side like a shadow.

I hesitated, struggling to put the feeling into words. “I don’t know. Like I’ve been here before, even though I know I haven’t. It’s...calming, but also kind of eerie.”

“Maybe it’s in your blood,” Mei teased, giving me a light shove. “Your grandpa probably wandered a bunch woods when he was our age. Maybe you’re just following in his footsteps.”

“Maybe,” I said, though the feeling ran deeper than that.

Our group came to a halt when we reached a small clearing. In the center stood a single, massive oak tree, its roots sprawling across the ground like veins. The tree seemed ancient, its bark rough and gnarled, but its branches stretched skyward with a vitality that defied its age.

“This is beautiful,” Akemi said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naomi knelt by the roots, brushing her fingers against the moss. “It’s like something out of a fairy tale.”

Grandpa’s words echoed in my mind: The forest has its own way of testing people.

“What now?” Ryohei asked, glancing around.

“We keep exploring,” Mei declared, already tugging me toward another trail that veered deeper into the woods.

“Or we could take a break,” Naomi suggested, gesturing to the oak tree. “This seems like a good spot to rest and enjoy the view.”

Everyone looked at me, waiting for a decision. For a moment, I felt the weight of leadership—a strange sensation, but not unwelcome.

“Let’s take a break here,” I decided. “We’ve got time to explore more after.”

The group settled around the oak tree, unpacking snacks and water. As we rested, the conversation turned light, filled with laughter and teasing. But my gaze kept drifting back to the tree, a strange feeling stirring in my chest.

Scene – Everyday Fantasy

The late afternoon sun filtered through the treetops as we eventually got up from our break and continued deeper into the forest. The path ahead glimmered with the occasional puddle left by the earlier rain, and the air carried a freshness that seemed to awaken something in all of us.

"Doesn't this feel like something out of a storybook?" Eiko said, skipping over a particularly large puddle. "Like we're about to stumble upon a hidden village or a magical spring."

"Or a dragon," Ryohei added with a grin. "That would definitely spice things up."

“Knowing our luck,” Mei chimed in, twirling a small stick she had picked up earlier, “it’d probably be some kind of sarcastic dragon who only speaks in riddles. We’d be stuck here for hours trying to figure out what it’s saying.”

“Hey, I’m good at riddles,” Akemi said with mock offense. “Bring it on.”

“Yeah, you and your five attempts to solve that one about the river and the fox,” Naomi teased, smirking as Akemi groaned.

“Let’s not talk about that,” Akemi grumbled.

The banter made the journey lighter, our footsteps falling into an easy rhythm. Despite the whimsical tone of our conversation, there was something undeniably enchanting about the forest. The way the light danced through the leaves, the faint hum of life all around us—it felt like the boundary between reality and fantasy was thinner here.

"Do you think the forest ever changes?" Chihiro asked suddenly, her voice quiet but curious. "Like...do you think it shifts when no one's looking? Paths disappearing, trees moving?"

“That’s a creepy thought,” I said, shivering slightly like a deja vu, despite the warmth of the day. “Let’s hope not. I’d rather not get lost.”

“Lost?” Mei said with a mischievous grin. “You’ve got me. I’m basically a human compass. If we get lost, I’ll just lead us back.”

“Human compasses aren’t supposed to spin in circles,” I shot back, earning a laugh from the group.

We pressed on until we reached another clearing. This one was smaller, more intimate, with wildflowers dotting the grassy floor. At its center stood an old, weathered bench, half-covered in moss.

"Now that feels like a sign," Eiko said, pointing to the bench. "What are the odds of finding something like this out here?"

“Maybe it’s enchanted,” Naomi said, half-joking but with a glint of curiosity in her eyes.

“Or cursed,” Ryohei countered. “You sit down, and suddenly you’re in another world.”

“Would that be such a bad thing?” Mei asked, plopping down on the bench without hesitation. “Another world might be fun for a change.”

“Assuming we could come back,” I said, sitting beside her.

The others spread out around the clearing, some sitting on the grass, others wandering among the flowers. For a while, we just...existed, letting the quiet of the forest wrap around us.

...

“Do you ever think about what you’d do if you were in another world?” Mei asked, breaking the silence.

I glanced at her, noting the playful but serious look in her eyes. “Like what kind of life I’d have?”

“Yeah,” she said, resting her chin in her hand. “Would you be a knight? A sorcerer? A hero with a tragic backstory?”

“I think I’ve had enough tragedy for one lifetime,” I said, leaning back against the bench. “If anything, I’d want to be the guy running a cozy little inn. Somewhere quiet, where nothing bad ever happens.”

“An innkeeper?” Mei raised an eyebrow. “That’s so boring. You wouldn’t even go on adventures?”

“Adventures are overrated,” I said with a shrug. “I’ll leave the danger and excitement to you.”

“Fine,” she said, crossing her arms with a mock pout. “But if I end up saving the world while you’re serving soup to travelers, don’t expect me to share the glory.”

The others joined in, sharing their own ideas. Akemi wanted to be a rogue with a heart of gold. Ryohei saw himself as a blacksmith crafting legendary weapons. Naomi joked about being a bard, though her grin suggested she secretly liked the idea.

Chihiro, hesitant at first, finally admitted she’d want to be an alchemist, creating potions and unraveling the secrets of the universe and I think I would be that one too if inn keeper was not an option.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting everything in a warm amber glow, it struck me how perfect this moment was. No magic, no dragons, no otherworldly quests—just us, imagining a world that wasn’t too far from this one.

Scene - Letting my heart speak

The group eventually dispersed as the first stars appeared in the evening sky, each person finding their own little corner of the forest clearing to unwind. Naomi and Akemi were locked in a spirited conversation, Eiko and Ryohei were skipping stones at a nearby stream, and Chihiro had wandered off to collect wildflowers.

Mei tugged at my sleeve, her eyes glinting with something between excitement and nervousness. “Hey,” she whispered, tilting her head toward a quieter path that disappeared deeper into the forest. “Walk with me?”

I hesitated for a moment, glancing at the others. They were too caught up in their own worlds to notice. “Yeah,” I said finally. “Let’s go.”

We followed the path in silence, the soft crunch of leaves beneath our feet blending with the distant murmur of the stream. The air was cooler now, tinged with the faint scent of rain-soaked earth. Mei walked ahead of me, her steps light but deliberate, as though she knew exactly where she was going.

Eventually, we came to another clearing, this one smaller and more secluded, surrounded by a ring of tall trees. A single stone stood in the center, weathered and smooth, like it had been waiting for someone to sit on it for centuries.

Mei plopped down on the stone, patting the spot beside her. “Come on, don’t just stand there. Sit.”

I obeyed, though my heart was already starting to race good thing I took my meds. There was something about the way she was looking at me—soft, open, and maybe a little unsure—that made me feel both excited and terrified.

For a moment, we just sat there, the silence stretching between us. Mei tilted her head back, looking up at the stars beginning to peek through the canopy. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”

“Yeah,” I said, though I wasn’t looking at the sky.

She caught me staring and smirked. “Smooth, Nakai.”

I laughed, scratching the back of my head. “Sorry. I guess I’m not great at playing it cool.”

“Good,” she said, her voice softening. “I don’t want you to be cool with me. I want you to be you.”

Her words hung in the air, heavy and delicate at the same time. I looked down at my hands, trying to gather the courage to say what I’d been holding back for weeks now.

“Mei,” I began, my voice unsteady, “I...I don’t always know what to say or how to say it, but...being around you, it makes me feel like I can breathe again. Like even when everything feels like it’s falling apart, you’re the one thing that makes sense.”

She turned to me, her expression unreadable, and for a terrifying moment, I thought I’d said too much. But then she reached out, taking my hand in hers.

“I don’t need perfect words, Hisao,” she said quietly. “I just need you to be honest. And...I feel the same way. You make me feel like I’m more than just...me. Like I’m enough.”

I swallowed hard, her words hitting me like a wave. My heart was pounding now, not with fear, but with something warmer, steadier.

“Then I’ll say it,” I said, my voice firmer now. “I love you, Mei.”

Her eyes widened, and for a second, I thought she might laugh or tease me. But instead, she leaned in, her forehead resting against mine.

“I love you too,” she whispered, and the words felt like music, like sunlight breaking through a storm.

I closed the distance, our lips meeting in a kiss that was soft, tentative, and yet so full of everything we’d been holding back. The world seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of us, wrapped in the quiet magic of the moment.

But like all things we must part ways

“Well,” she said, standing and pulling me to my feet, “let’s not keep the others waiting too long. We’ve got a whole evening ahead of us.”

As we walked back toward the group, hand in hand, I couldn’t help but feel like my heart had finally found its voice—and for the first time in a long time, it was speaking loud and clear.

Scene - Romance en Adante (uno y dos)

The campfire crackled softly as the group reconvened, its glow casting long, flickering shadows across the clearing. The air was cooler now, but the warmth from the fire and the easy laughter of friends made it feel like the kind of evening you never wanted to end.

Chihiro sat quietly, a journal balanced on her knees as her pen danced across the page. Every so often, she’d glance up at the firelight, a small, wistful smile on her face. Her quiet presence seemed to draw Ryohei’s attention, and he sat a little closer to her than usual, his arm resting casually on the log they shared.

“You’re writing again?” he asked, his voice softer than usual, as though he didn’t want to disturb the moment.

Chihiro nodded, her eyes still on her page. “The mood feels...right. Something about tonight makes everything feel more vivid, more alive.”

Ryohei grinned. “You mean us? The life of the party?” He gestured broadly at the others, who were teasing each other or playfully bickering over marshmallows.

Chihiro glanced at him, her smile growing. “Maybe. Or maybe it’s the fire, the stars, the feeling of...being part of something.”

His grin softened, his expression turning thoughtful. “Yeah,” he said, after a moment. “I get that.”

Their conversation lapsed into a comfortable silence, and for once, Ryohei didn’t try to fill it with a joke or a quip. Instead, he leaned back, letting the firelight dance in Chihiro’s eyes as she wrote.

On the other side of the fire, Naomi and Akemi were deep in conversation. Akemi’s usual sharp tone was muted, replaced by something softer, though her words still carried a teasing edge.

“So,” Akemi said, leaning back and crossing her arms, “what’s this I hear about you crushing on some guy back home?”

Naomi’s face flushed, and she quickly looked away. “Who told you that?”

Akemi smirked. “Let’s just say I have my sources.”

Naomi groaned, burying her face in her hands. “It’s not a crush,” she mumbled, her voice muffled.

“Oh, sure,” Akemi said, her smirk widening. “That’s why you’ve been doodling little hearts in your notebook and staring off into space like some lovesick teenager.”

Naomi peeked at her through her fingers. “You’re insufferable, you know that?”

“Maybe,” Akemi said, her tone surprisingly gentle. “But hey, it’s cute. Whoever this guy is, he’s lucky to have someone like you pining after him.”

Naomi lowered her hands, her blush deepening. “You’re impossible,” she muttered, though her lips twitched into a reluctant smile.

Akemi shrugged, her smirk softening into something almost affectionate. “Yeah, but you love me anyway.”

Naomi rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

...

A little way from the fire, Eiko sat on a fallen log, her eyes enamored by the dazzling starlights. She hummed absentmindedly, her fingers picking at the log, with a melancholic tune that seemed to blend with the crackling fire and the distant rustle of leaves.

Mei wandered over, her footsteps light. “That’s beautiful,” she said, sitting down beside her.

Eiko smiled faintly. “It’s just something I’ve known for awhile. A little rough around the edges.”

“It sounds perfect to me,” Mei said, resting her chin on her knees as she listened.

They sat in companionable silence for a while, the melody weaving through the air like a thread connecting them.

“You thinking about someone?” Mei asked, her voice gentle.

Eiko’s fingers faltered for just a moment before continuing their dance across the strings. “Maybe,” she admitted, her tone guarded but not unfriendly.

Mei grinned. “It’s okay, you don’t have to tell me. Just...don’t keep it bottled up forever, okay? Life’s too short for that.”

Eiko glanced at her, something unspoken passing between them. “Yeah,” she said softly. “You’re probably right.”

The song shifted then, becoming lighter, more hopeful. Mei smiled, leaning back on her hands and letting the music carry her thoughts away.

As the night wore on, the group began to settle into their own little rhythms, their conversations quieter now but no less meaningful. Each of them carried their own stories, their own secrets, and their own dreams, but in this moment, they were united by the warmth of the fire and the bonds they’d forged together.

Scene –Nocturne

The sky above was a blanket of stars, the faintest shimmer of moonlight filtering through the trees. The air had grown crisp, the coolness of the night creeping in, but the warmth from the campfire still clung to their skin. They stood in a loose circle, the quiet rustling of the forest around them the only sound that remained.

“Well,” I said, shifting his weight slightly, “I think it’s time we head back.” He glanced at Mei, who nodded in agreement. Despite the lingering glow of the fire and the soft hum of the night, there was an unspoken understanding that the day had truly come to an end.

The group began to gather their things, the quiet murmurs of conversation fading into the background as they each took a moment to reflect on the day. The deep satisfaction of a shared evening, the lighthearted teasing, the comfort of friends, all felt like the kind of night that could stretch on forever.

Mei was the first to move toward the path that led back to their cabin, her footsteps steady and unhurried. Hisao followed her, feeling the cool night air bite at his cheeks. It wasn’t uncomfortable, though—just refreshing, like a reminder that the world outside the small bubble of warmth they’d created would continue on. There was a certain peace in it.

Chihiro, Ryohei, and Akemi walked close behind, their voices low and thoughtful as they exchanged quiet words. Naomi, who had lagged a bit behind, caught up with Eiko, and the two of them fell into a comfortable, almost wordless rhythm, the kind that only comes after shared moments like those.

The walk back was uneventful, the only sounds were their footsteps on the soft earth and the occasional call of an owl overhead. For the last time I took in the forest around me—I always admired how the trees seemed to sway in sync with the wind, a gentle dance that never seemed to end.

“Not bad, huh?” Mei’s voice broke the silence, and Hisao looked at her. Her smile was small but genuine, her eyes reflecting the same calm that had settled over him. “A nice change of pace from the usual.”

I nodded, the weight of the day’s moments heavy in his chest, but comforting all the same. “Yeah,” he agreed quietly. “Definitely.”

As they neared the cabin, the faint glow from the windows seemed almost inviting, a safe haven from the night. Yet, as I reached the door and the group began to filter inside, a sense of finality lingered in the air. The kind of finality that comes not from the end of a night, but the end of something larger. Time had passed, changes were inevitable, and yet the night held a sense of stillness—an acknowledgment of everything they had been and everything they might become.

I lingered just outside the door for a moment longer, catching his breath in the cool night air. My thoughts felt distant, the shadows of the evening still hanging heavy on my mind. There was something about tonight, something about the weight of the memories they had all built together, that made the future feel both uncertain and inevitable.

I exhaled, a slow, deep breath. “I wonder where we go from here,” he muttered under his breath.

Mei, who had stopped just ahead, glanced back at him. Her smile was soft, and she gave him a small nod, as if understanding the question he didn’t quite voice.

“Wherever we need to,” she replied, her voice quiet but firm. “We’ll be ready.”

And with that, the door closed behind them, the night finally beginning to fade away into the promise of tomorrow.

Scene – Teatime, Fast forward into Jitter

“HISAO!” my mother called out, far too loudly. “Where have you been, young man?”

Great. If she’s here, then so is Father. But I don’t see him anywhere. Maybe he’s off doing something with Grandfather? Doesn’t matter right now.

“I was in the forest with my friends,” I say, glancing over at my so-called friends for backup. Once again... they DO NOT.

“But this late at night? What would’ve happened if you’d gotten lost!?” Mother says, her voice laced with genuine worry.

“He had me,” Mei says with an innocent tone that somehow manages to soften Mother’s expression... slightly.

"Sigh. Mei, thank you for taking care of my son. I trust you’ll continue to do so in the future. You may leave,” Mother says, her tone oddly flat and robotic.

Wait. What?

Before I can process what’s happening, Mei steps away from my side, calmly walking past Mother toward Akemi. I barely have a moment to call out to her when something else catches my eye.

Past my mother, I see them.

All of them.

It’s like they stepped right out of the old album Grandfather showed me. Sure, they’re older now, but it’s them. The way they carry themselves, the glimmers of their younger selves in their features... it’s all still there. Somehow, after all this time, they still look the same.

“Young man,” Mother’s voice snaps me back, sharp and commanding, “we are going to make dinner for everyone here. Understood?”

“B-but, Grandmother—” I stammer, trying to plead my case.

“No ‘buts.’ Your friends can entertain them while we cook. Come along.”

Her tone leaves no room for argument. I glance back toward my friends and the unexpected reunion ahead of them, then back to my mother. Resigned, I sigh and follow her toward the kitchen.

...

Let's rewind a bit

Lily sat at one end of the rustic wooden table, her cup of tea resting in her hands as her fingers traced the delicate porcelain. Her once-vibrant golden hair, now silvered with age, fell gracefully past her shoulders, and her milky eyes glinted softly in the light. The same calm collected presence remained, though it had softened with the years. Her eyes despite the blindness, were still perceptive as ever, and carried the weight of all she'd experienced.

Across from her, Hanako sipped her tea in quiet reflection. Her hair, now a mixture of silver and the dark locks from her youth, framed her face in a way that made her appear both older and wiser. She seemed at ease in the quiet of the Lakehouse, her soft smile betraying a peace that hadn't always been hers. Though she carried the scars of her past, they were no longer the first thing you noticed about her. The quiet beauty of her spirit had emerged with time.

The sound of the front door opening, followed by a soft call, broke the silence. "Is anyone home?" Naomi's voice rang out, warm and familiar.

Lily glanced toward the doorway, her lips curling into a smile. "Ah, Naomi and Chihiro, I presume? Come in, it's dreadful out there."

The door creaked open wider, and in walked Naomi, with her usual unshakable confidence, a light chuckle escaping her as she wiped the rain from her face. Chihiro entered quietly behind her, her thoughtful demeanor matching the steady flow of a lake.

"Good to see you two," Lily greeted, gesturing to the seats around the table. "Please, make yourselves comfortable."

Naomi flashed them a grin, her eyes bright with a mischievous gleam. "We were caught in the exploration. You know how it is, can't keep up with the time." She sat down with ease, pulling a chair up next to Hanako, who offered a soft smile in return. Chihiro, more reserved, took a seat beside Lily,

The table was soon filled with tea, the smell of the rich brew floating in the air. Conversation flowed effortlessly between the group, though the topics were light, as if allowing the weight of the years to settle around them like an old blanket.

Hanako glanced over at Chihiro and Naomi, her eyes lingering on the two women for a moment, as if measuring something unspoken. It wasn’t hard to see the parallels, the shared history between them.

"You know, Lily," Hanako began, her voice soft, "I’ve been thinking. Sometimes, it's hard to imagine how far we’ve come. But then, when I look at you two—Naomi and Chihiro—I see something familiar. It’s almost like we’re reflections of each other in some way, don’t you think?"

Lily, with a gentle nod, added, "I’ve always thought so. Naomi, with her boundless energy and optimism, and Chihiro, thoughtful and introspective—it’s like a mirror image of us back then. Our stories and backgrounds may be different but resolve to improve ourselves will always remain"

Naomi leaned forward, a playful smirk on her face as she glanced between Lily and Hanako. "I’ve heard that before. You two, so calm and collected. And Chihiro and I? Well, we can’t always keep it together, can we?"

Chihiro chuckled softly, a smile tugging at her lips. "I think we’ve all found our balance in different ways. Time has a way of changing us, but it doesn’t erase what came before."

The conversation drifted to memories of Yamaku and the time they had all spent together. They spoke of the people they’d lost touch with and the moments they’d cherished. Each of them had grown in their own way, but it was clear that the bond they shared remained unbroken, stitched together by the fabric of time.

Lily “looked” at Chihiro and Naomi again, her expression thoughtful. "I suppose," she said softly, "that no matter how far we travel, some connections are simply meant to last."

Hanako, always more reserved with her thoughts, simply nodded, her gaze warm but introspective. "It’s comforting, isn’t it? To know we’re still here, in each other's lives."

Naomi, never one to shy away from expressing her thoughts, placed her cup down with a small laugh. "I think we’re all still the same people, in a way. Just with a little more experience, a little more wisdom... and a lot more tea."

Chihiro’s soft smile mirrored Naomi’s lightheartedness, though there was an undeniable warmth in her eyes as she turned to Lily and Hanako. "I suppose we are," she agreed. "In some ways, we're still learning. But it's nice to have each other, to share these moments."

Scene – Three Stars of Friendship

Around the couch sat two old ladies having a quiet conversation with their hands, Their hair like the others had turned grey one a blueish grey and the other a brown (with some pink still there). Eventually they noticed two others approaching

"Well, here they are!" Misha announced with her usual enthusiasm; her hands animated in rapid gestures. "It's been ages, but finally we’re all here again!" She grinned, looking between Akemi and Mei, who were seated near the fire.

Shizune, as always, was more composed, her sharp eyes scanning the room. She nodded slightly, acknowledging everyone’s presence with a quiet grace, before taking her place beside Misha. Shizune’s gaze lingered for a moment longer on Akemi, who met her eyes with an equally quiet understanding. They had shared moments of conversation before thanks to Hisao’s grandfather, their mutual respect evident even without words.

"Glad to see you both," Akemi said with a smile, her voice low but warm. “It’s been a long time, but it feels like nothing has changed.”

Mei, sitting comfortably next to Akemi, chuckled softly, her gentle laughter filling the room. “I wouldn’t say nothing,” she teased. “You’re still as serious as ever, Shizune. Can't you relax?”

Shizune raised an eyebrow, her lips curving ever so slightly into a smile. She signed something in fluid, sharp movements, her hands cutting through the air with practiced ease.

Misha, ever the translator, grinned and signed back, “Shizune says, ‘I’ve learned that life is serious, but that doesn’t mean it should be taken too seriously this is just how I look most of the time.’” Her voice softened slightly as she translated, a rare moment of sincerity creeping through.

"Ha I get that a lot too," Akemi replied, tilting her head. "Life moves in strange ways, doesn’t it? It’s funny how we can all be so far apart for so long and then find ourselves right here. All of us together."

“Yeah,” Mei added, her voice more quiet than usual, but her words still clear. “It’s like we’re all connected, even if time tries to pull us in different directions.”

Shizune signed, a simple gesture of agreement before shifting her attention to Misha, who was still buzzing with excitement. Misha’s hand gestures were lively, full of her usual spark.

"I think we’ve earned a little pre-celebration, don’t you think?" Misha’s voice lifted in her usual, bubbly tone. "After all, we’ve got this whole weekend ahead of us, and what’s a celebration without good company, right?"

Akemi leaned back, glancing at Mei, who nodded slowly, her quiet smile giving way to a moment of reflection. "I think that’s a good idea, Misha. We’ve spent so much time just thinking about the past, maybe it’s time we let ourselves be a little present."

Shizune looked toward Misha and then to Akemi and Mei, her eyes softening. She gave a slight nod before signing once more, slow and deliberate. Misha caught it immediately and translated, “Shizune says, ‘The past is important, but the present is where we live. So let’s make it count.’”

The group fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the crackling of the fire providing a gentle background to the warm, easy feeling settling in the room. It wasn’t about the big things or the flashy moments; it was about simply being in this space, with these people, at this time.

“So,” Misha broke the silence with a grin, “Who’s ready for some music?” She slowly twirled, and the smile on her face was like the final piece falling into place.

Mei raised an eyebrow, her voice teasing, "Only if you’re singing, Misha."

Akemi let out a soft laugh. "I wouldn’t mind hearing it."

Shizune signed a few quick gestures, and Misha translated with an almost mischievous tone. "Shizune says, ‘I’ll be the judge of that.’"...

Wait...how will she-?

Scene – 2x400m relay completed with Cloudland Swing

The Moon was high in sky casting an ethereal glow on the forest.

Emi and Rin, having just returned from their “slow run” around the lake, were feeling the exhilarating rush of accomplishment. Emi was practically glowing with energy despite her age, her breath coming in quick, steady bursts, Her short hair light brown (with some grey of course) which no longer had her trademark twin tails waved in the light wind.

Rin—always the opposite—seemed to revel in the after-effects of the run's meditative quiet. At some point she too got some prosthetic arms but mostly to do some meanly task of day-to-day life as she still painted her abstract art with her feet, her hair was quite longer than before and amongst the...you’ll never believe it grey, yet her hair there’s some faint red still there

“That was… weirdly fun,” Rin said, her voice low but full of a strange satisfaction. Her legs were a little unsteady, but she had a contented grin on her face. “Though, I think I could’ve made it more interesting by running backward.”

Emi laughed, brushing a strand of hair out of her face. "Running backward sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, Rin. But you did good! You really kept up!"

Rin raised an eyebrow, clearly unconcerned. "I don't need to keep up to be good," she replied, as if the concept of competition itself were too trivial to consider seriously.

Before Emi could respond, the sound of approaching footsteps broke into their conversation. Turning, the two saw Ryohei and Eiko, who had been out for a stroll earlier but had now arrived to join the group.

“Looks like you two were busy,” Ryohei said with a broad grin, wiping sweat from his brow. His voice was low and monotonous as always, full of the carefree confidence that made him stand out in a crowd. “What’d you do, run laps around the whole lake?”

“No,” Emi said, her grin widening, “but we did run back and forth for about 2 minutes. I think we could beat you at that, Eiko.”

Eiko, walking alongside Ryohei, laughed softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You can’t seriously think you’ll beat me in a race. I might be a slacker, but when it comes to running…” She trailed off, her smile fond but teasing.

Ryohei gave a half-mock glare at Eiko but winked as he said, “please Eiko would let you win, Emi. You know, just for the sake of respect and all.”

“Pfft, sure you would,” Emi teased back, playfully nudging him. “But we’ll save that for the next time we race.”

As the group gathered around the porch of the house, the air filled with the soft sounds of laughter and conversation. Rin leaned back, sitting against the railing with her characteristic nonchalance, while Emi bounced on the balls of her feet, eager to share the details of her run with the others.

“We should do this more often,” Emi said, her tone bright and optimistic. “It’s good for all of us, and maybe next time we can have a real relay, get the rest of the gang in on it too. What do you think, Eiko?”

Eiko raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. “I think you’d have a better chance of winning if Rin and I run at half-speed.”

Ryohei laughed which is becoming less rare for him. “Oh, this is getting good! But yeah, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone. Maybe we should have a mini-Olympics while we’re here—running, swimming, whatever we can come up with. I mean, we’re all pretty fast around here, huh?”

Rin shrugged, clearly not overly concerned with the concept of competition but always willing to indulge. “I’d rather just watch the world burn. Or at least, take naps in between.”

“Good idea,” Emi replied, leaning toward Rin with a mischievous grin. “You can nap while we all race.”

The conversation shifted easily between casual jabs and laughter, the lighthearted camaraderie enveloping the group.

Scene – breathlessly

The evening air was cooler now, a crisp breeze brushing through the trees as Hisao made his way outside, wanting to clear his head. The day had been full of laughter and warmth when the others finally came, but his mind, still buzzing from the events, needed a moment to unwind. He stepped onto the porch, glancing down the path where the sounds of the evening grew softer.

Just as he was about to sit, he heard the familiar, gravelly voice that he never thought he’d hear again.

"HEY! Hisao!"

He turned, eyes widening in recognition. It was him. Kenji. Of course, it had to be Kenji.

Kenji stood a few feet away, his trademark glasses perched precariously on his nose and his hair even more disheveled than usual. The man was clearly as eccentric as ever—clad in a mismatched outfit that looked like he’d grabbed random items from a clothing rack in a hurry.

“Kenji…” Hisao said, stunned. “I didn’t expect to run into you here. What are you doing?”

Kenji straightened up, a proud grin spreading across his face. “Ah, just thought I’d stop by and check out this ‘peaceful retreat’ of yours. They say the world’s changing, but I’ve seen the signs, Hisao. They’re all around us! The feminists—they’re taking over, man, you can’t ignore it!”

Hisao took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a moment. “Oh, not this again…”

Kenji stepped forward, thrusting a fist into the air like he was preparing for battle. “I’m telling you, Hisao, the world isn’t as safe as you think. The feminists—they’re out to control everything. Everything! Even the air!”

“I don’t—” Hisao began, rubbing the bridge of his nose, feeling the headache begin to form.

Kenji ignored him, launching into what seemed like a well-rehearsed rant. “Don’t you see? It’s all connected. The media, the government, the corporations—they’re pushing their agenda, infiltrating everything. And they’ve got their eyes on us, Hisao! Our freedom—our rights to the truth! The truth is out there, man, but it’s buried deep under layers of misinformation! The feminists are trying to control the narrative. First, they got into the schools, then the workplace, and now… they want to rewrite history itself!”

Hisao took a long, steadying breath. “Kenji… you’ve been saying this for years now.”

Kenji stopped for a moment, his eyes flashing with the same unshakable conviction that Hisao had known for ages. “You think I’m crazy, don’t you?” Kenji said quietly, his voice suddenly more serious, less frantic. “But I’m not. I’m just ahead of my time.”

Hisao looked at Kenji for a long while, trying to gauge whether the old friend before him was still the same paranoid conspiracy theorist or if perhaps there was something more to the man these days.

"Maybe," Hisao finally said with a half-smile, "maybe you're just a little... passionate, that's all."

Kenji’s face brightened immediately, like a child receiving praise. “Ha! I knew it! You understand, Hisao! Someone finally does! You know, I was worried about you for a second. I thought maybe you got soft after all these years, but now I see you're still on the path to truth!”

Hisao chuckled, shaking his head. “I don’t know about that. But I am curious—how have you been, Kenji? It’s been a while since we last talked.”

Kenji blinked, momentarily distracted from his conspiracy theories. “Oh, yeah! Well, I’ve been… you know, keeping busy. Gotta stay ahead of the curve. But I’ve been meaning to get back into town, see how everyone’s holding up. Still not a fan of this whole ‘social media’ thing, though. Too many eyes watching. But, uh, I’ve kept myself sharp. Sharp as a tack, Hisao.”

“Glad to hear it,” Hisao said with a laugh, patting Kenji on the shoulder. “And, uh, how’s your, uh… 'business' going?”

Kenji’s eyes darted around suspiciously, leaning in closer. “I’ve got a few underground projects I’m working on. You know, the usual. Can’t let the government get its hands on everything, right? But I’ve got an in with some… people, let’s just say. Some important people.”

“Right. Of course,” Hisao said, rolling his eyes good-naturedly. “You still got your secret network, huh?”

Kenji grinned wildly. “You have no idea, man. But trust me, I’m on top of things. I’ve got intel that even the highest authorities wouldn’t believe.” He paused, glancing around again. “Don’t tell anyone. It’s secret stuff, Hisao.”

Hisao let out a long, exaggerated sigh. “Kenji, you’re unbelievable.”

The two stood there for a while, exchanging stories, laughter, and the occasional outlandish theory. It wasn’t so much that Hisao believed a word of it, but there was something comforting in how things had stayed the same. In a world that had changed so much, Kenji’s peculiar brand of insanity was a reminder that, sometimes, things didn’t have to change at all.

“Well,” Hisao finally said, “I guess you’re still as… Kenji as ever.”

“Damn right,” Kenji replied with a satisfied grin. “And you, Hisao, you’ve got a good head on your shoulders. You’ll thank me later when the truth comes out.”

Hisao just smiled, grateful that—despite everything—some things would always remain constant. "Yeah, sure, Kenji. Whatever you say."

...

Kenji gave Hisao one last, exaggerated salute before walking off toward the lake house, muttering under his breath about a new "top-secret" project he was working on. Hisao watched him go, shaking his head with a bemused smile. He couldn’t help but wonder what Kenji had been up to all these years. He was the same, yet somehow... different, like a warped version of his old self, still clinging to those conspiracy theories with the same intensity.

With a deep sigh, Hisao turned back toward the docks. The weather had shifted slightly, a cool breeze running off the water, carrying with it the familiar scent of damp wood and salt. It was peaceful here, quieter than the bustling life inside the lake house, and he found solace in that stillness.

And all of a sudden...his heart skipped a beat?

Scene – ST, PAR, TSC, PH, CON... OOTL

The lake house buzzes with overlapping conversations, a web of past and present weaving together under its roof. The warmth of the hearth mixes with the smell of tea and freshly baked goods, courtesy of Lily and Hanako. It's hard to tell where one group ends and the other begins, voices rising and falling like the waves outside.

Ryohei and Eiko, seated near Rin and Emi, are locked in an animated discussion. Well, animated mostly on Eiko’s end.

“So, Rin, do you ever regret not going with Sae and her offer which I hear was still on the table even after your breakdown during the exhibition? I mean, given the trajectory of your paintings and your fame, it’s kind of fascinating how you balanced it all on your own with help of course,” Ryohei asks, gesturing with his hands as if illustrating the invisible weights of her career.

Rin, sitting cross-legged on the armrest of a couch like it’s the most natural thing in the world, blinks slowly. “I don’t really think about regret. I think regret thinks about me, and I just keep walking past it.” She pauses, looking at Ryohei’s expression of mild confusion. “Or painting past it. Or sleeping past it.”

Eiko chuckles, brushing her hair back. “Translation: she’s fine with her choices.”

Ryohei nods, still processing. “Huh. Philosophical and practical. I like it.”

Meanwhile, Emi cornered Mei in the kitchen along with my mother and I, handing her a slice of cake while asking rapid-fire questions.

“So, how long have you and Hisao been dating? Does he exercise? Does he eat his vegetables? Because let me tell you, that boy hated anything green back in the day—"

Mei, amused, holds up a hand to stop her. “One question at a time, please. And yes, he eats his vegetables—occasionally. I have my ways.”

Emi grins mischievously. “Oh, I bet you do.”

My mother could only smirk while I grumbled

“I’m going to go see dad ok?” Mother said leaving me to serve everyone else.

“Ok and tell him to come in” I said in response where she gave a thumbs up.

Across the room, Shizune and Misha are with Akemi and Naomi. Naomi is sitting stiffly, clearly unsure of how to handle Shizune’s sharp, rapid signing and Misha’s high-energy translations.

“She says you should feel proud of your accomplishments at such a young age,” Misha translates with a smile, her voice carrying that familiar sing-song tone. “But she also says you’re too humble and need to own your successes more!”

Naomi fidgets, blushing. “Oh, um, thank you. I—I just do what I can...”

Akemi rolls her eyes, nudging Naomi with an elbow. “Take the compliment, Naomi. Or better yet, own it. She’s right, you know.”

Shizune adjusts her glasses and nods in satisfaction, while Misha claps her hands. “Wahaha~! See? Even your friend agrees!”

On the other side of the room, Chihiro has found herself in a quiet conversation with Hanako and Lily. Or at least, it started quiet before Chihiro, emboldened by the warmth of the atmosphere, began talking about books.

“I always admired how you wrote your own story, Hanako,” Chihiro says softly. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but... never found the courage to start and was focused on other things.”

Hanako smiles shyly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “It’s never too late to start, Chihiro. Even if it’s just a few words a day.”

Lily adds, her hands wrapped around a delicate teacup, “And don’t forget, it’s not just about courage. Writing takes patience and kindness toward yourself. You’re already on the right path by thinking about it.”

Chihiro looks between the two of them, her expression softening. “Thank you. That means a lot.”

And then back to me.

I’m trying—trying so hard—to stay engaged with everyone, to soak in this once-in-a-lifetime gathering and maybe talk to grandmother. But Uncle Kenji’s got me cornered in the kitchen, his voice a conspiratorial whisper despite the fact that we’re alone.

“Listen, Hisao,” he says, adjusting his glasses in that trademark exaggerated way of his. “You do know this whole reunion thing is a trap, right? I mean, look at them. All those women, gathered in one place. It’s like the feminist Illuminati’s endgame! They’re planning something big, man. I can feel it in my bones!”

I rub my temples, torn between laughing and groaning. “Uncle Kenji, they’re just catching up. You’re being ridiculous.”

“Ridiculous?” he hisses, leaning closer. “That’s exactly what they want you to think! First, they lure you in with their ‘friendship’ and ‘fond memories.’ Then—BAM!—next thing you know, you’re signing up for some shady ‘empowerment’ program and giving away all your secrets!”

“What secrets?!” I blurt out, exasperated.

Uncle Kenji freezes, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. “Exactly. They’ve already got to you, haven’t they? You’re compromised!”

Before I can respond, he storms off off cabin towards the docks probably to bother grandfather, muttering about countermeasures and contingency plans. I sigh, turning back towards the oven, only to notice Mei watching me from the pantry with a bemused expression.

“Making new friends?” she teases.

“Something like that,” I reply, shaking my head.

As I finish up in the kitchen, the sounds of laughter and conversation grow louder. Mei pulls me into the fray, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself truly relax.

Everyone’s here.

And for now, that’s enough.

...

Except someone’s missing...mom should have gotten him by now, right? So why-?

I get a bad feeling all of a sudden and I think everyone feels it too as the myriads of conversations just stop all at once and our destination is the same...the docks.

It’s just...it’s just paranoia, right? We’ll make our way to the docks find Mother and Grandfather waiting for us and give one big last surprise and everything will be-

“Dad” my mother calls out weakly ...grandfather is on her lap

“H-hey man you good?” Kenji asks a seriousness in his voice I have never heard before

“What happened” I finally ask in disbelief

Mother finally looks up at me...her face...it's the same one she made during my accident...

No... please no...

Scene - When it’s hard to smile...

“G-grandfather?” my voice is trembling, this...this can’t be happening right? Did He take his medicine? He hasn’t overexerted himself we’ve been lounging around all trip.

Did he get hit with something? Or maybe there was-

“Hisao...” said grandfather his voice so frighteningly weak you could barely hear it yet I did...everyone did as they turned to me. “Come here”

I did as I was told walking towards grandfather as everyone else slowly faded from my view, all that mattered was him even though...

Even...though...

“Hey...don’t act like that, I’m just sleepy”

“Grandfather...please...this isn’t the time for-”

“Let me teach you one last lesson”

Even now he’s trying to help me...how can he...I don’t understand...why aren’t we-

“When it gets hard to smile...” Grandfather’s voice wavered. His hand reached out weakly, trembling as I took it in mine. It felt colder than before, as if the warmth of life was slipping away, and I couldn't stop it.

I tried to speak but my voice cracked. I tried to hold myself together, but the lump in my throat grew unbearable. This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. Not like this. Not here.

Somehow, he pushes past my grip touching my chest...my scar...my heart “...that’s when you smile the brightest,” he whispered. “You’ll understand one day. It’s...it’s how we hold on to what really matters.”

After he said that I looked down so he couldn't see my face

...

Then I smiled...

Not a forced smile or a desperate one.

I genuinely smiled as memories flashed before me, flooding my mind

memories of all our time together

every lesson he taught me

every laugh we shared.

Memories of all the ways he tried to make me stronger, even when I didn’t want to be.

Tears welled in my eyes, but I didn’t break. I couldn’t. He wanted to see me smile. He needed to know that I would carry this forward, that I understood.

So, I smiled. For him.

For everything he gave me.

“There it is” he said “Look at him everyone just like me...but better”

Whatever was happening around me I paid it no mind. He looked at me, his eyes softening as if seeing my smile was enough to ease the pain. His breathing slowed, a gentle rise and fall, almost peaceful. I could feel the world narrowing around us, everything else fading away—just the two of us, suspended in this fragile moment.

His grip loosened slightly, but his gaze remained fixed on me. There was a faint, almost imperceptible nod. Telling me it was okay.

“Grandfather…” My voice wavered, barely a whisper.

“I hope that... when I see you again...you’ll tell me all the wonderful things you did with your life...so live it well...Hisao…you’ve made me so proud.”

His hand weakly tapped my chest again “Until then I’ll always be with you... right here.”

His eyes fluttered closed, the faintest trace of a smile still on his lips, and then...nothing. The rise and fall of his chest stopped. The weight of his hand grew heavier in mine.

The room felt eerily still, as if time itself held its breath, unsure of what to do next. A strange quiet settled over everything, broken only by the soft sounds of the world continuing outside. But here, in this moment, all I could do was sit there, holding his hand, feeling the warmth slip away.

I didn’t let go. Not yet. Not until I was sure he had found peace.

“Goodbye…Grandfather,” I whispered, the tears I had barely held back finally spilling down my cheeks.

...

Hisao Nakai

199X-20XX

He died surrounded by warmth, love, and a smile on his face

Loving Father, Loving Husband, and Loving Grandfather

...

...

...

...

Afterword

It feels weird posting this

Mainly after that whole back and forth I had yesterday. Which-and I genuinely mean this-was 110% my fault.

Wires got crossed, Misunderstandings abound, hasty posts were made, words were said that can never be taken back. Now for me I’ll have to live with what happened, though unlike other more grievous mistakes I can just log off for a year or two, get back to some other projects I’ve been giving the cold shoulder, and most likely comeback to a fan fare of “who were you again? Oh, you were that guy, don’t cause trouble this time yeah?” probably not but hey worse things could still happen.

None of that is important now because due to these series of events I all of sudden got the “weirdest” motivation to finally finish act 2 only a few days after act 1. I was working on act 2 along with act 1 because my workflow is chaotic, so I really just made the last few scenes and went from there. Not to mention acts 2 and 3 were always going to be shorter and only lengthened by whatever I set up in act 1. Which does mean that if you feel certain words or scenes kind of seem a little self-reflective and maybe a little directed trust me its pure coincidence (...for the most part).

Now what I’m about to say here does not excuse my actions in ANYWAY but if you felt I was being too defensive and in the wrong and I should’ve known that like seriously why so dumb?

Some context. Yes I was always going to do this but now I have to address two things cause again my own fault.

My grandfather was...A complicated man, while I won’t/shouldn’t go into specifics let’s just say he didn’t live a good life in Ecuador, but he thrived, he got married, had children and eventually I came about.

As I grew and learned about the complexities of life certain concepts like Divorce, spending habits, and remaining loyal soon entered my psyche and as you could guess my grandfather wasn’t...winning gold stars in those areas.

But I and many other still loved him he taught me a lot and I’ll always cherish our time together...

But I don’t think I cherished it enough especially the last time he was with me I just wasted my time and didn’t think to try something new and exciting with him

...

Then he was gone

I was going to play Katawa Shoujo for the first time but that was delayed for...obvious reasons.

After dealing with some ...tumultuous family troubles that we are still feeling today I finally played it, and my first route was Emi... it all came spilling out from there.

I wanted to make a story one told in very specific yet roundabout way that in my mind would effectively convey exactly what I wanted out of this possible future and experiment a bit in the process. Unfortunate then that I posted some random Japanese text thinking I was funny and didn’t update my story until I finally graduated from college(which is a whole other story) and then left what I thought would be a harmless comment...if you’ve read this then you know what happened next.

I felt my vision and by extension my grandfather was attacked and while I tried and failed to explain myself all I really did was make things worse and now here I am possibly and deservedly being labeled any number of things.

What is done cannot be undone, but at the very least I can learn from my mistakes, be better, and move forward.

I am sorry to all I have offended and I’m also sorry if this post still isn’t what’s expected of me despite what the whole back and forth was all about, but just know that I am going to finish this story and since I still have the documents re-doing this but better should but probably won't be easy.

Last words? Well, they’re more for me and unfortunately, they might be seen as one last dig considering how this whole debacle started (and despite my remorseful state of mind I would honestly be that petty), so I’ll just say this. I’m Hispanic ok, pretty obvious since I mentioned Ecuador but seriously, I am legally Hispanic, and I can’t speak a lick of the language.

though I understand and write the language at least a fair bit.

We good? Then thank you for reading if indeed you still are and I’ll see you at the conclusion.

Quiero mucho a mi abuelo y espero seguir haciéndote sentir orgulloso.

...

Una parte de mí, que se siente confundida, quiere pensar que esto estaba destinado a ser... que esta era la única forma 'correcta' en que tenía que ocurrir para que finalmente me pusiera las pilas y empezara a hacer las cosas... ... Bueno, veamos cómo va esto.

...

¡Tch! Como si...

cook I didn't see your comment until I posted the first part act 2
I read your comment and will take it to heart despite what you may see in act 2 (assuming of course)
but beyond all that I just want to say
I am sorry and I will be better