1 HARU

Every second that passes by makes me anxious and excited! I could feel the familiar giddy feeling that I get whenever December comes. It didn't matter if I was already 20 years old and fresh out of Culinary school, it will always be a happy feeling to know that my Dad and Brother will finally come home- even if it's just a few days in a year.

I looked at the sofa chair where my Mom used to sit on. She passed away three months ago due to pancreatic cancer.

I heard the doorknob rustle, I instantly got up from my seat and adjusted my hoodie. When the door flung open, my Brother came out carrying two big boxes and my Dad smiling at me, "Haru!"

"Haru, I would greet you but I couldn't see due to carrying these big boxes!" My Brother exclaimed as he went into the house. His long dark brown almost black hair tied into a low ponytail.

"You could put down the boxes first and greet me properly." I said.

Yuuki put down the boxes and smiled widely at me, "You've grown so much!"

I hugged both of them with a smile, "I missed you both!"

"Us too. We miss your cooking." My Dad said ruffling my hair. "How is school?" He asked, smiling. I could barely see his teeth because of his beard.

"Fine." I said nonchalantly as I gave him the invitation to my graduation, I could see him smile brightly, "When is your graduation?"

I looked at him and my Brother and smiled sheepishly as I went to the kitchen, "It was last month."

"What?" Both of them exclaimed.

"The last time I contacted you both was when Yuuki told me that you were both gearing up for the proclamation of the new King. I couldn't possibly ask you to come and it's in America. So..."

"So?" My brother urged.

"I didn't go." I said.

I looked at my Dad and it was evident that he was disappointed. My brother looked at me with pursed lips. He wrapped his arms around me.

Dad smiled and pinched my cheek, "Thank you for being considerate, Haru. Your Mom would've been proud of you for being mature." He said.

My Dad and Brother were working in some kind of country that's supposedly not included in the map but is an extension of Japan? I'm not totally sure. For some reason, in their country, people like her aren't allowed- that's what my Mom says anyway. That's how both my Mom and I came about in Japan. I studied in America after highschool to become independent as my Mom and Dad liked to call it. I remember asking them why but they never gave me a proper reason.

I served up a plate of stir-fried pork with ginger and spring onions followed by a plate of steamed bamboo rice, knowing my Brother who is an addict of dried seaweed and pickled plums, I mixed in crushed dried roasted seaweed, sesame seeds, salt to taste and finely chopped pickled plums.

My Dad told me a lot of stories about the country that he serves. He told me that to go to their country, they must ride a boat and travel for a day and then arrive at the gate. He says that in order to get past through the gate, they need to wear a bracelet where there's a golden badge attached with a special logo engraved on it. I remember seeing my brother and Dad wearing matching brown suede bracelets with lots of strings.

"Haru, we brought our clothes. Teach me how to do the laundry." My Brother said as he sat down on the dining chair.

My Dad took a bite of the lean pork slice glistening with the thick gravy sauce that I made from the oyster sauce, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, and sesame seed oil. My Dad closed his eyes and a smile tugging at his lips, "If only I can eat your cooking every day." He said.

"I'll pre-cook some food before you go so you can just heat them at home." I said as I went to get the huge boxes filled with clothes. I looked at my Dad and Yuuki, "Don't you guys ever wash your clothes? Aren't there any washing machines there? A Laundry shop at least?"

Both of them shook their heads. "We do wash it but we don't have soap." Yuuki said. I sighed and went to the washing machine and did their laundry.

I did their laundry. As I glanced at the washing machine didn't Yuuki say that I just need to teach him how to do the laundry? I went back to the living room/dining room. Yes, you guessed it right. My late Mom and I lived in a small apartment.

I saw Yuuki washing the dishes and Dad was looking at my Diploma and Yearbook picture. He smiled, "Can I have a copy of this?"

I smiled and opened the drawer to get the envelope where I had wallet-sized copies of my picture. I gave two copies to my Dad.

"Your Mom would've been so proud of you." He said as he engulfed me in a hug. "You're the only one in our family who finished college."

I hugged him back, "I wish she was here with us."

"Say, Dad. Why can't I go with you? So all of us can live together?"

"Well, it's complicated, sweetheart." He said scratching the back of his neck. "I know it's hard. I'm in a bind also."

"Until when are you staying here?" I asked.

"Tomorrow morning."

"What?! That's so unfair! You just got here."

"The new King's inauguration." Yuuki said. "Don't worry, Haru! We'll be back by New year!"

I sighed and gave a resigned nod. I dragged myself to the kitchen and pre-cooked meals that I promised.

"Haru-" my Dad started to say.

"I understand." I said cutting him off. "Who am I against the King, anyway." I mumbled.

"You're our beautiful Queen." My Dad said. I still felt sulky that I couldn't react to any consoling words my Dad and Yuuki were saying.

"You have to rest if you're going tomorrow." I said not sparing them a glance. I didn't dare take my eyes off of the stove and the nonstick pan that I'm preheating at low heat as well as two pots that I have on the stove.

I could feel warm hands hold both my arms. I turned to look at Yuuki, he hugged me. "My dear Princess." He cooed. I glared at him.

He chuckled and kissed my head and hugged me again, "We're sorry. I am sorry."

I could feel a lump in my throat, my vision getting blurred "You're both unfair." I said suppressing my tears.

He patted my back in a soothing way, "Once the time is right, I promise, I'll tell you everything. But for now, know that Dad and I are sorry."

I wiped the tears that were falling on their own accord. I let go of Yuuki and went back to cooking. I could hear the door closing. I looked to see that Yuuki really went inside his room.

I made two different stews. One was thick broth beef bone soup and one was boiled chicken with medicinal herbs so that both Yuuki and Dad get energized when they heat this meal and eat it. I heard the doorbell ring, I went to check and saw that two boxes of my orders came. One box was for the clothes that I left in America and one box is for my groceries and utensils that I pre-ordered.

I finished cooking the last dish, sweet and sour fish. I let all of the dishes cool down on the counter. I went to attend the clothes that I left in the washing machine. I pulled them all out of the washing machine and saw that all of them were dry and good for being ironed. As I finished folding all of them, I put all of the clean clothes in a pile and put them in a duffle bag. "Why did they even bring their clothes in boxes?"

I went to my room to take a bath. When I finished and left the bathroom wearing a hoodie and a pair of blacksweatpants, I saw that there was a box on my bed. With a note attached on it,

Merry Christmas, Haru. Let's wear matching Hakamas before we leave.

Love,

Dad and Yuuki

I opened the box to see a light brown colored kimono top and a navy blue Hakama. I closed the box and went outside and put the dishes that I made in the freezer. I readied the cooler for tomorrow.

I sighed, "It's like they came to see me for an hour."

Well, at least they came. I feel bad that I acted immaturely. I wore a trench coat, a pair of shoes and went outside. I went to the nearest supermarket and bought a kilo of detergent. I was happy enough that it came with a free set of heat packs. A score on my end, really.

This should be a good enough peace offering.

I went home and put the detergent near the duffle bag that I prepared for them and the delivery boxes that I have yet unpacked. I went to my room to lie down.

I turned to the wall and draped the blanket on me. I heard my door open and felt the side of my bed dip. I closed my eyes hoping Dad wouldn't notice that I was awake.

"I have a lot of shortcomings as a Father to you-" Dad said as he ran his hands through my hair. "I want you to know that I love you very much but I have a hard time proving that. You must feel as though I don't care about you."

I tried to stop myself from crying as Dad continued, "I think of you and your Mom every day and night. Every time I wake up, as I work in the palace, before I sleep and even in my dreams. I liked having dreams where I can see both you and your Mom." He said chuckling. "It's the only time we get to be with each other without thinking about anything else. And right now, it's the only time I'll ever be with your Mom."

He sighed, "I have a lot of regrets and sometimes I question my decisions but marrying your Mom and having you and Yuuki were the best decision that I have made in life. I love you, Haru." He finished with a kiss on my head.

When he went out, I couldn't help but cry silently.

At four in the morning, I steamed rice and made honey marinated pork rice balls and made bento boxes for Dad and Yuuki that contains white rice with sesame seeds and crushed roasted seaweed as toppings, salt and pepper rubbed Halibut that's fried in olive oil, sliced rolled eggs, spicy stir-fried octopus, sliced tomatoes and salted eggs, and marinated sweet anchovies.

I went to the bathroom and washed my face and brushed my teeth. I looked at the Hakama that was gifted to me, I sprayed some fabric conditioner on it as a substitute for perfume and wore it. I put my hair in a high ponytail like Yuuki does with his hair. I saw the traditional shoes in the bottom of the box. I wore them also.

I packed the pre-cooked meals in the cooler with dry ice mixed with ice tubes to keep the food frozen since they are going to travel for a day.

At 6 in the morning, both my Dad and Yuuki were already wearing their Hakamas that matched mine. They broke into a smile as they saw me.

"Wha! It fits you like a glove! You look like a beautiful version of me!" Yuuki exclaimed. Dad hit his head, "Ow! I was only joking!" He said with his face scrunched.

I laughed, "I'll miss you guys. I'm sorry for the way I acted last night." I said sheepishly. "It was childish of me."

"No, it's perfectly understandable." Dad said smiling.

"As a peace offering-" I pointed to the detergent. "I bought detergent and-" I trailed off as I gave them the packed bento boxes. "Just a small breakfast."

I also gave them the cooler, "The pre-cooked meals." I said.

Yuuki grinned at me and pinched my cheek, "I'll miss you!" He said.

"I'll miss you too." I smiled at him.

"I think it's best that you don't send us off. It'll be harder." Dad said.

I agreed. My lips trembled and I forced myself to smile. "Have a safe trip!"

Both looked worried and sad. I looked at my feet and pursed my lips. Trying not to cry.

I could hear them move, the heavy footsteps, the huff and puff of Yuuki as he carried the things, Dad opening the door and holding the cooler and bento boxes. I went to the sink and cleaned the dishes and utensils that I used. My heart sunk.

I looked at the ceiling to not let any tear drop. As I turned to look at the living room, it feels quite empty that there's only the furniture there.

I went to my room and decided to do the laundry, I carried my basket of dirty clothes and went to the washing machine. I opened it to see that there were two familiar bracelets- Oh no!

I held the bracelets and ran towards the living room. I noticed that my two boxes were gone.

Yuuki, that baka!

I ran to my room to get my bag, put my wallet, my phone, the house's key- I could see that I have my spare charger, ear pods and power bank all in here. I didn't mind. I went to get my scarf, my bonnet and layered two trench coats, wearing two pairs of socks and then wore the traditional shoes.

I went out and locked the door and ran down the fire exit. When I reached the ground, I exited the building and saw that Dad just entered the taxi.

"Oyaji!" I yelled desperately but the taxi had already left. I grunted and hailed a taxi.

As I entered, "Please follow that taxi." I pointed at the taxi that my family was in. The taxi drove as fast as he could- not breaking the speed limit.

I tried to call Yuuki or Dad but neither of them are answering their phones. I laid back and took deep breaths- in and out.

I repeatedly did that and to my surprise the taxi stopped in front of a lake that I haven't seen before. There, floating was a big wooden ship. I paid the taxi driver and rushed to go out. I could feel the harsh wind as I tried to walk to the ship, "Oyaji! Oniichan!" I yelled. I almost fell due to how slippery the snow is! How frustrating!

I went up the dock. After a lot of effort and pushing through the heavy wind, I was now on deck! I smiled victoriously. "Onii- Ahh!" I trailed off into a yell as I slipped and fell into a dark place. I could feel myself fading into the dark as my head hurt like hell.

I could hear rustling noises and birds chirping. I opened my eyes and shot my body up from lying against the wooden floors of the ship.

I must've fainted. I thought as I held my aching head, I could smell the faint scent of rust- could it be? I ran my fingers through my hair and swirled it around to find a wet and sticky spot. I gasped as I did, I nervously brought it near my nose and smelled that it was indeed blood!

I took out my ponytail and applied it again. I sighed as I struggled to look around the dark. I bumped on to a box and I could hear metals clink as I fell down and fell on a bag- I'm good as blind in here.

I sighed and remembered that I have my phone on me. Stupid Haru.

I opened my bag and searched for my phone. Once I got a hold of it, I pressed the side button and instantly saw that there was no signal. I pressed the flashlight and scanned through the room.

It seems like I'm in a storage room. Is this the hold of the ship? This is so cool!

I looked at my two boxes and thought of how I should nag at my brother for not realizing that I put their clothes in a duffle bag?

The ship suddenly came to a halt and I instantly landed forward and bumped my forehead on the box full of my cookware. "Seriously?!" I exclaimed.

I opened the flashlight mode of my phone and searched for an exit but suddenly light entered the darkness filled hold. "First-in-command, do we have to carry all these to the palace?" An unfamiliar voice said. I felt frozen on the spot. Where is my Dad? My Brother?

I didn't hear any reply. Suddenly the door of the exit was closed. Having the hold that was once graced with light get filled with darkness once again.

Where am I?

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