Chapter 22: A Not So Empty House

The night was serene as Hiroshi lay on his bed, still in his basketball jersey, staring at the ceiling. His thoughts drifted through the court's echoes and the crowd's cheers. His phone, lying next to him, suddenly buzzed. He picked it up and saw a message from Ayumi:

Ayumi: Hiroshi, do you know what's happening with Haruki?

Hiroshi: I don't know, actually. Tetsuya told me that he might just be tired.

Ayumi: No, it seemed like more than that. I'm worried.

Hiroshi: Let's talk to him at school tomorrow.

Ayumi: Yeah, let's do that.

The next morning at school, Ayumi was in front of her classroom. Her eyes were scanning for Hiroshi, who soon rounded the corner.

"Hey," Hiroshi said, panting slightly.

"Hi! come on, let's go in," Ayumi replied, pointing to Haruki's classroom.

As they were about to enter, the class representative, Keiko, stepped out. She wore glasses and had a stack of papers in her hand.

"Hey, Keiko, have you seen Haruki?" Ayumi asked with concern in her voice.

"Oh, Haruki? He didn't come to school today. Why, miss him already?" Keiko raised her glasses as she nudged a teasing look at Ayumi.

Unbeknownst to Keiko's ignorance, Ayumi and Hiroshi shared a worried glance.

While wringing her hands, Ayumi spoke first, "I really think something is wrong. Haruki is shy, but he's never missed a day of school without telling anyone, especially after a game."

Ayumi looked up at Hiroshi. "We have to make sure he's alright. He's our friend."

Hiroshi's face softened. "Of course, but what if he doesn't want to talk? Maybe he needs space?"

Ayumi hesitated, then said, "We can at least let him know we're here for him. Even if he doesn't want to talk, knowing he has friends might help."

They were silent for a moment, both lost in their thoughts.

Finally, Hiroshi stood up. "Let's go to his house then. We can't just do nothing."

Ayumi stood as well, her face determined. "Okay. But let's not be too pushy. If he really doesn't want to talk, we'll just let him know we're here for him."

Hiroshi agreed, and they made their way to the school gate. As they walked, Hiroshi turned to Ayumi, "By the way, have you ever been to Haruki's place?"

Ayumi shook her head. "Yes, actually, I went to his house the other day to play some video games. You?"

"Nope, but that's good. We don't have to ask our teacher for his address."

They both knew that today they might learn more about their enigmatic friend, and they couldn't deny the anxious anticipation that accompanied that realization.

The sun was setting as Ayumi, and Hiroshi made their way to Haruki's house. They had been talking about their concerns for their friend during the walk. Hiroshi, who had visited Haruki's place once, was guiding Ayumi through the quiet streets.

As they approached the front gate, Hiroshi noticed a car parked in the driveway. "I've never seen that car before," Hiroshi said with a puzzled look.

Ayumi glanced at him, mirroring his confusion. They both felt an anxious knot tighten in their stomachs as they proceeded to knock on the door.

As the door opened, they were greeted by a vision of loveliness. Haruki's mother, Kaori Takahashi, was stunningly beautiful. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall, and her eyes sparkled with the depth of the ocean. She wore a simple but elegant summer dress that swayed gracefully as she moved. Her features were delicate, and her complexion seemed to have a glow that made her look almost ethereal. Her voice was soft, like the gentle rustling of leaves, and her smile radiated warmth and kindness.

"Good evening, Mrs. Takahashi," Ayumi began politely. "We were wondering if Haruki is home. We missed him at school today."

"Hooo... What brings a beautiful lady like you here. Unfortunately, Haruki's not home at the moment." she replied gently, her voice like a melodic breeze. "But please, come in."

"No, it's not like that," Ayumi said with a pink hue on her cheeks.

They hesitated for a second before agreeing. As they entered the house, Ayumi and Hiroshi were struck by the warm, cozy atmosphere. The house was impeccable, with a loving touch evident in every corner.

"Please have a seat," Haruki's mother gestured to the living room. "Can I get you some tea or snacks?"

"That would be lovely, thank you," Ayumi replied.

As she disappeared into the kitchen, Hiroshi looked around. The living room was adorned with family photos, including one of Haruki as a child, holding a basketball and beaming.

"She is so kind and beautiful," Ayumi whispered to Hiroshi.

"Yes, she really is," Hiroshi whispered back with a blush, unable to resist Kaori's mature charm.

As Haruki's mother returned with a tray of tea and snacks, they thanked her and began to engage in conversation about school and their lives. Kaori was attentive, and her grace made them feel welcomed and cherished.

As they sit in the Takahashi family's cozy living room, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the air, Ayumi and Hiroshi are captivated by Haruki's mother's stories. She speaks with a gentle grace about Haruki's childhood, revealing amusing anecdotes and sharing how he developed a passion for basketball.

"Haruki was always energetic. The moment he could walk, it was like he was trying to run," she laughs, her eyes twinkling. "When he was six, we gave him a small basketball, and, well, the rest is history."

She gets up and returns with a plate of warm cookies and glasses of fresh juice. The snacks are delectable, and Ayumi and Hiroshi express their appreciation.

"Mrs. Takahashi, we were just worried about Haruki," Hiroshi starts cautiously. "He seemed a little off recently, and he wasn't in school today. Is he alright?"

She looks at them for a moment, her smile unwavering. "Haruki is a strong boy. He just needs a little space right now. He'll be just fine," she assures them, her voice steady but giving nothing away.

Her words are comforting, but Hiroshi and Ayumi can't shake the feeling that there's something she's not telling them. They don't want to press further out of respect.

The conversation then turns lighter again as they discuss the recent basketball game and Yumei High's victory. After a little while longer, Ayumi and Hiroshi decide it's time to leave. They thank Haruki's mother for her hospitality, and she walks them to the door.

"Please let Haruki know that we are here for him if he needs anything," Ayumi says warmly.

"Of course, dear," Kaori replies with a smile. "Thank you both for being such good friends to him."

They say their goodbyes, and as Ayumi and Hiroshi walk away from Haruki's house, the concern for their friend weighs on their shoulders.

The evening air is crisp as they walk in silence, both lost in thought. They know their friend is going through something, but they're unsure how to help.

As they part ways, Ayumi turns to Hiroshi and says, "We should keep an eye on Haruki, okay?"

Hiroshi nods in agreement. "Definitely."

With that, they go their separate ways, a quiet resolve settling in.

As Hiroshi and Ayumi walk away from Haruki's house, they can't help but discuss the events that just unfolded. Their concern for Haruki is evident in their voices, and they make a pact to continue checking in on him.

Inside the Takahashi house, the atmosphere undergoes a jarring shift. Kaori's once warm and welcoming, morphs into a different person entirely. Her smile vanishes, replaced by a stern and distant expression. Her posture stiffens, her soft demeanour evaporating.

Haruki's mother's footsteps are heard as she climbs the stairs. There's a certain gravity to each step. As she reaches Haruki's door, she stops and takes a deep breath.

She knocks twice and then speaks in a controlled but stern voice, "Haruki, why did your friends come here? And why weren't you at school?"

From inside the room, Haruki's voice is barely audible. "I just didn't feel like going today."

His mother's voice raises slightly, "Didn't feel like it? That's not an acceptable reason. You have responsibilities."

Haruki's grip on the basketball tightens. "I know, Mom," he murmurs.

His mother continues, "And what about your friends? They seemed worried. Should I be worried too?"

There's a pause. Haruki doesn't respond immediately. The air is heavy with tension.

Finally, Haruki speaks up, "They just care, Mom. Like friends do."

"Then maybe you should think about not giving them reasons to worry," his mother retorts sharply. "We have a reputation, Haruki. You can't just do as you please."

Haruki, his voice tired and uneasy, "I know. I won't do it again."

There is a chilling silence following Haruki's reply. His mother's voice returns to a calm but icy tone, "Get yourself together. You will go to school tomorrow and not let your friends come here again. Understood?"

"Yes, Mom," Haruki replies, deflated.

She turns and walks back down the hall, her footsteps receding. Haruki is left sitting in his room, the basketball still in his lap.