Masayuki
Still lost in the labyrinth of my dream, I suddenly snapped back to reality, a burst of laughter escaping my lips. "It was just a dream, nothing more," I mused, the remnants of fantasy fading like morning mist. A wistful sigh followed. "I wish it were true, anyway."
It was a weekday, and reluctantly, I peeled myself from the cozy embrace of my bed. I hastily dressed for work, donning my sharp black suit and crisp white shirt, the fabric brushing against my skin like a reminder of the day ahead.
By afternoon, the sun blazed down on the city, casting a golden glow that made sweat trickle down my cheeks. As I strolled down the bustling streets, a smile crept onto my face. Finally, in Japan, summer holiday arrived after a grueling stretch of months spent chained to my desk. For once, fortune smiled upon me—I had been released from work early!
"Tanaka said I should pick her up. Shinjuku, right?" I muttered to myself, fishing my phone out of my bag and scrolling through the flurry of messages. The screen lit up with reminders of our plans, and excitement bubbled within me.
"Right, let me hurry! I wonder how she's been," I said, quickening my pace. With each step, the vibrant sounds of the city surrounded me—street vendors calling out, laughter echoing from nearby cafés, and the distant hum of a train. The intoxicating energy of Tokyo thrummed through my veins, urging me onward as I made my way to Shinjuku, eager to reunite and see what adventures awaited us.
Standing on the street in Shinjuku, I scanned the bustling crowd, searching for her when I suddenly felt a tight grip on my back. I turned around to see who it was.
"Tanaka!" I exclaimed, surprise evident in my voice.
There she stood, dressed in a white t-shirt tucked into black trousers. Her bobbed hair framed a smiling face that brought back memories of our childhood. It took no time at all for me to recognize her.
"How did you find me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.
"Is that any way to greet your little sister after two weeks apart? Besides, you're the only one wearing a suit around here during the holidays!"
"As irritating as always," I muttered under my breath, already exasperated by her cheeky response.
"Did you say something?" she asked, her voice laced with curiosity, a smirk dancing on her lips.
"Nothing!" I shot back, attempting to retain my composure.
"Alright, let's head back home. I have games and anime to catch up on!" she declared, her tone shifting to one of seriousness. "Here, catch! Half is yours, half is mine!"
She tossed me a shopping bag brimming with snacks. It was as if she hadn't changed one bit. I looked at her, a smile spreading across my face. Now at twenty-three, she was just ten years my junior, and I couldn't help but marvel at how quickly time had flown. It felt like just yesterday she had been crying, terrified of being left alone. Now, here she was—an unexpectedly grown, mature young woman taking care of me, yet still holding on to that delightful streak of childishness.
"Why are you staring at me?" she asked, cocking her head slightly, a quizzical look in her eyes.
"Nothing!" I replied, my smile widening.
"Huh! You're acting like a pervert towards your little sister! That's one of the reasons you're still single," she teased, a mischievous glint sparkling in her eyes.
"What did you just say?" I asked, feigning shock.
"Nothing!" she insisted, her embarrassment evident as she tried to brush it off, but her smile gave her away.
Taking my left hand, she walked ahead of me and then turned to face me. "Let's go home. I have lots of stories to tell tonight!"
As I looked at her, illuminated by the warm afternoon sun, layers of doubt and embarrassment lifted. "Was she always like this?" I thought to myself. My heart raced, threatening to break free from my chest, and for the first time, I felt a warmth blossoming within me, as if I was eagerly anticipating her return.