Chapter 8

Haruka's footsteps echo on the sidewalk as he makes his way home, his stomach rumbling with hunger. He furrows his brow, wondering why he feels so famished.

"Ada, why am I so hungry?" he asks, glancing up at the floating blue screen that accompanies him.

"It's because of your prolonged use of the Amazon Driver," Ada explains in her robotic tone. "The transformation and enhanced abilities it provides consume a significant amount of your body's proteins. A high-protein diet will help you recover and replenish your energy levels."

Haruka nods, making a mental note to stock up on protein-rich foods. As he approaches the grand mansion he now calls home, the contrast between this lavish setting and his past life at the orphanage still feels foreign.

"I guess I better get used to this," he mutters, pushing open the ornate front door.

Inside, the foyer is as pristine and imposing as ever, a far cry from the modest living spaces he's accustomed to. Haruka makes his way to the kitchen, hoping to find something to sate his ravenous appetite.

Haruka steps into the kitchen, hoping to find something to curb his ravenous appetite. As he opens the fridge, a voice calls out behind him.

"Haruka! There you are!"

He turns to see Hana, his mother, rushing towards him with a worried expression on her face. Before he can react, she wraps her arms around him in a tight embrace.

"I was so worried," Hana says, her voice trembling slightly. "You came home so late and I thought something might have happened to you."

Haruka feels a pang of guilt as he realizes he had forgotten to let his parents know about his extended time out. "I'm sorry, Mom," he says, returning the hug. "I was just...exploring the city a bit. I should have called to let you know I'd be late."

Hana pulls back, her eyes searching his face. "I'm just glad you're safe," she says, her expression softening. "You had me worried sick. Next time, please let me or your father know if you'll be out late, okay?"

Haruka nods, offering a sheepish smile. "I will, I promise." He glances back at the open fridge, his stomach rumbling once more.

Hana notices and chuckles. "Hungry, are we?" She steps aside and gestures towards the kitchen. "Well, come on then. Let me cook you something quick. Sit down and wait until I prepare the food."

Haruka watches as his mom bustles around the kitchen, gathering ingredients and humming softly to herself. The familiar scent of spices and simmering food fills the air, reminding him of the rare occasions when the caretakers at the orphanage would cook a hearty meal.

He takes a seat at the kitchen counter, his gaze following Hana's movements. "Where's Dad?" he asks, curious about Matsu's whereabouts.

"Oh, he called to say he'd be a little late," Hana replies, not taking her eyes off the stovetop. "There was a last-minute meeting at the hotel. But he should be home in a few minutes."

Haruka nods, drumming his fingers against the counter as he waits. The silence is broken when Hana turns to him, a warm smile on her face.

"So, how was your first day back at school?" she asks, her voice laced with genuine interest. "Did you have a good time?"

Haruka considers her question, thinking back to the events of the day. "It was...okay, I guess," he says, deciding not to mention the confrontation with the bullies. "I met a girl named Kara. She helped me out a bit."

Hana's eyes light up at the mention of Kara. "Kara, huh? That's wonderful, Haruka! What's she like?"

Haruka shrugs, unsure of how to describe the enigmatic girl. "She's...nice, I guess. She seems quiet, but she stood up for me when those bullies were giving me a hard time."

Hana's expression shifts to one of concern. "Bullies? Oh, Haruka, I'm so sorry to hear that. Did they hurt you?"

Haruka quickly shakes his head. "No, no, I'm fine. Kara took care of them." He doesn't want to worry his mother, especially with the additional burden of his Kamen Rider duties weighing on his mind.

Before Hana can probe further, the sound of the front door opening catches their attention. Matsu strides into the kitchen, his suit slightly rumpled but his face brightening when he sees Haruka.

"There you are, son!" Matsu exclaims, crossing the room to give Haruka a firm handshake. "How was your first day back?"

Haruka repeats the same brief summary he gave to Hana, omitting the details about the bullies. Matsu nods thoughtfully, placing a hand on Haruka's shoulder.

"I'm glad to hear you're adjusting well," Matsu says, his voice warm and reassuring. "And this Kara girl, she sounds like a good friend to have. We'll have to invite her over for dinner sometime, get to know her better."

Hana beams at the suggestion, already bustling back to the stove. "That's a wonderful idea, dear. I'll make sure to have a special meal ready for when she visits."

Haruka listens to his parents' chatter, their voices blending together as they discuss the details of the day. Despite the unfamiliarity of his new life, he can't help but feel a sense of comfort in their presence. As they continue their conversation.

Haruka watches as his mother finishes preparing the meal, the savory aromas wafting through the kitchen. She places the steaming dishes on the table, and Haruka's mouth waters in anticipation. Hana and Matsu take their seats, and Haruka joins them.

"Itadakimasu!" they say in unison, clapping their hands together before beginning to eat.

Haruka takes the first bite, and a wave of emotion washes over him. The savory flavors explode on his tongue, and a warmth spreads through him—a feeling he hasn't experienced in a long time. As he chews, memories of the orphanage's meager meals surface, a stark contrast to the nourishing dish before him.

He tries to push the thoughts away, focusing instead on the comforting aromas and the care that Hana has put into this meal. It's a small gesture, but one that makes him feel valued, like he truly belongs here. Haruka takes another bite, savoring the flavors and allowing himself to be present in this moment, if only for a little while.

He glances up at Hana, who watches him intently, a hopeful smile on her face. "How is it, dear?" she asks, her voice gentle.

Haruka swallows and offers a small smile in return. "It's delicious, Mom," he says, the title still feeling foreign on his tongue. "Thank you for making this."

Hana's face lights up, and she reaches across the table to give his hand a gentle squeeze. "I'm so glad you're enjoying it. There are seconds if you want more."

Haruka nodded and continued eating, his hunger taking over. This was the best meal he could remember having. He felt grateful to Hana for putting in the effort to make him something so nourishing and comforting. As he savored each bite, Haruka couldn't help but wonder about his birth mother and why he was given up. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the warmth of this moment with his new family.

Haruka finishes the last few bites of his meal, his ravenous appetite finally sated. He sits back in his chair, a contented sigh escaping his lips.

"That was delicious, Mom," he says, offering Hana a grateful smile. "Thank you for making it."

Hana beams, her eyes shining with joy. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it, dear."

Haruka glances at the clock, noting the late hour. "I think I'm going to head upstairs and rest. It's been a long day."

He rises from the table, bidding his parents goodnight. As Haruka climbs the stairs to his room, he feels the weight of the day's events settling on his shoulders.

Once inside his room, Haruka closes the door and leans back against it, letting out a long, weary sigh. Ada's holographic form appears before him, the AI's blue glow casting an ethereal light in the dimly lit space.

"How are you feeling, Haruka?" Ada asks, her voice sounding almost concerned.

Haruka rubs his eyes, feeling the fatigue of the day's events catching up with him. "Tired, Ada. Really tired." He moves towards the bed, sinking down onto the plush mattress. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around all of this—the Kamen Rider mission, my new family, everything."

Ada floats closer, her digital form hovering near Haruka. "I understand this is a lot to process. But you must remember, you were chosen for a reason. The System believes you have the strength to fulfill this mission."

Haruka nods, his gaze drifting to the Amazons Driver sitting on his nightstand. "I know, but it's just...a lot to take in. I feel like I'm living in someone else's life."

"Give it time, Haruka," Ada says, her tone reassuring. "Adjusting to change is never easy, but you have the support of your family and the System. Rest now, and we'll tackle the mission again tomorrow."

Haruka nods, letting his body sink into the soft mattress. As his eyes grow heavy, he can't help but wonder what the future holds. With a deep breath, he allows himself to drift off, the weight of the day's events fading into the embrace of sleep.

///

Give Power Stones so I can continue to write this story. If it does not gain any interest, I will drop it.