Chapter 14: Before Goodbye

The weekend brought a gentle breeze and the sweet scent of spring, filling the air with a sense of renewal. At Shika's house, laughter echoed from the living room where Ichigo and Tenshi sat together, fully immersed in a colorful animated show. Their giggles blended with the warmth of the sun streaming through the window, adding to the cozy atmosphere of the home.

Meanwhile, outside on the small garden path, Sota and Shika strolled side by side. The sky above them was a soft hue of blue, the remnants of winter fading as new blossoms prepared to bloom. Their footsteps crunched lightly against the gravel as they walked, their pace slow and unhurried.

Shika took a deep breath, steadying herself before speaking. There was something she had been holding inside for too long, and now, she felt ready to ask.

"Sota," she began, her voice gentle but firm. "Is Chef Takashi really your father? Or… are your parents no longer with us?"

Sota slowed his pace, his expression unreadable. He hesitated for a moment before exhaling softly. "My parents…" he murmured, glancing at the sky as if searching for the right words. "We were a happy family. My father was a kind man, and my mother always had the warmest smile. We weren't rich, but we had each other, and that was enough."

Shika listened intently, watching as Sota's hands clenched slightly, his usual composed demeanor wavering as he spoke.

"But one day, everything changed," he continued, his voice lower now. "A group of thieves broke into our home while we were going about our day. I was out running an errand, and by the time I returned… I found them lying on the floor, bleeding and injured."

Shika's breath hitched. She could hear the raw pain laced in his voice.

"I was just a kid," Sota said, shaking his head. "I had no idea what to do. I tried to fight the intruders, but I was too weak. They overpowered me easily and fled, leaving me alone with my dying parents."

Shika's chest tightened as she imagined the scene—the helplessness, the despair, the weight of loss at such a young age.

"I held them in my arms, hoping that somehow, they'd make it," he continued, his voice strained. "But they didn't. My weakness… my inability to protect them… it cost me everything."

For a few moments, neither of them spokes. The wind rustled the trees, carrying the distant sound of children playing in the neighborhood.

Shika swallowed back the lump forming in her throat. "Sota… I had no idea," she whispered. "I'm so sorry."

Sota gave her a small, sad smile. "Tenshi was just a baby at the time. She had no idea what was happening. After that, we had nowhere to go, so we moved in with our grandfather. But he… he wasn't the kindest man."

Shika furrowed her brows, sensing there was more to the story.

"He was strict and had no patience for children. Since he couldn't work anymore, he made me take responsibility for earning money," Sota explained. "I was only twelve, and if I didn't satisfy his expectations, he would hit me with a ruler."

Shika clenched her fists. "That's awful," she muttered.

"I started working as a newspaper delivery boy," Sota continued, his voice turning distant. "I found an old, broken bike in the trash, fixed it up, and used it to make my deliveries. But… some kids at school didn't like that. They bullied me, beat me up, and stole my bike. I tried to fight back, but I was outnumbered. The next day, I came to school covered in bruises, and everyone avoided me. They thought I was violent, so I ended up alone."

Shika's heart ached at the image of a younger Sota—battered, alone, and misunderstood. She had never seen him as anything but strong, but now she realized just how much pain he had endured to become the person he was today.

"But things changed when my grandfather passed away," Sota said, his voice softening slightly. "I was on my own, taking care of Tenshi. That's when I started working at a restaurant as a waiter. The chef there… he was different. He wasn't just my boss—he was the first person who actually looked at me and saw something more."

Shika tilted her head. "Chef Takashi?"

Sota nodded. "Yeah. He was a kind man, single, and dedicated to his craft. One day, he asked me why a kid like me wanted to work so hard. So, I told him everything. I told him about Tenshi, about how I needed to make sure she had a good life."

Shika remained silent, letting his words sink in.

"He saw my determination," Sota continued. "He told me that family isn't just about blood—it's about the people who choose to stand by you. He took me and Tenshi in and raised us like his own. Thanks to him, I had a second chance. His success in the culinary world gave us stability, and more than that, he gave us a home."

Shika reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You've been through so much," she said softly. "And yet, here you are. You didn't let your past define you. I admire that, Sota."

Sota glanced at her, his lips curving into a faint smile. "Thanks, Shika," he said, his voice lighter now.

Wanting to ease the heavy mood, he smirked. "You know… I think I know what your real weakness is."

Shika raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what's that?"

"Sweets," he teased. "I bet you have a secret stash hidden somewhere in your room."

Shika gasped in mock offense. "How dare you accuse me of such a thing!"

Sota laughed. "Come on, admit it. I've noticed how your eyes light up every time there's dessert involved."

Shika crossed her arms. "Fine, I won't deny that I love sweets. But if we're exposing weaknesses, what about you, Sota? What's yours?"

Sota grinned. "I think you already know," he said, locking eyes with her. "It's you, Shika."

A deep blush spread across Shika's face. "You're such a smooth talker," she huffed, looking away. "But if you must know, my true weakness is books."

Sota blinked in surprise. "Books?"

Shika nodded. "I love mysteries, romances, and anything that lets me escape into a new world."

Sota chuckled. "Well, that's good to know. At least I won't have to fight you over sweets."

Shika smirked. "But you might have to fight me for my books."

When they returned to the house, the smell of a delicious meal filled the air. Shika's mother had prepared a wonderful dinner, and they all sat together at the table, sharing stories and laughter.

As the evening wound down, Shika walked Sota to the door. The night air was crisp, and the stars twinkled above them.

"Thank you for coming today," Shika said.

Sota smiled. "Thank you for listening."

Shika hesitated before adding, "You're always welcome here, Sota. Always."

Sota nodded, warmth filling his chest. "I'll see you soon, Shika."

And with that, he walked away, feeling lighter than he had in a long time.

The spring festival had arrived at last, bringing with it an atmosphere of joy and celebration. The streets were lined with glowing lanterns, casting a warm golden hue over the festival grounds. Stalls overflowed with delicious street food, colorful games, and traditional performances. The sound of laughter and excitement echoed through the air as people moved from one attraction to another, soaking in the festive spirit.

Rio, Maemi, and Motohiro had been anticipating this event for weeks, eager to experience everything it had to offer. Luna and Heizen, unable to contain their excitement, had arrived early to explore before the rest of their friends arrived. Meanwhile, Sota, Shika, Syuka, and Ryoku had planned to meet up with them later, making their way through the bustling festival together.

Once the group was reunited, their excitement grew tenfold. They wasted no time hopping onto carnival rides, challenging each other at the game booths, and indulging in mouthwatering festival treats. The air was thick with the aroma of grilled skewers, fried snacks, and sweet confections.

Amidst the lively chaos, Luna accidentally bumped into Motohiro, causing her drink to spill all over his shirt.

"Ugh, Luna!" Motohiro groaned, looking down at the sticky mess.

"Oh no! I'm so sorry! Here, let me clean it up!" Luna panicked, grabbing a napkin and dabbing at his shirt frantically. The rest of the group couldn't hold back their laughter at the scene, and even Motohiro eventually cracked a smile.

Meanwhile, Heizen was on a mission. Determined to win a giant stuffed animal for Syuka, he continuously attempted to knock down the stacked cans at one of the carnival games. Try after try, he missed, but the group cheered him on regardless.

"Come on, Heizen! Just one more shot!" Ryoku encouraged.

With a look of sheer determination, Heizen took a deep breath, aimed carefully, and launched the ball at the cans. This time, they all toppled over, securing him the grand prize.

"Yes!" Heizen cheered, raising his fists in triumph as the stall attendant handed him the oversized plush. Syuka's eyes sparkled with joy as she hugged the stuffed animal close before turning to Heizen with a bright smile.

"Thank you, Heizen!" She threw her arms around him in gratitude, causing the rest of the group to erupt in cheers and teasing remarks.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the festival lights flickered to life, and the much-anticipated fireworks display began. The crowd gathered at the main clearing to get the best view. Some of their friends had already left early to avoid the rush, but Sota and Shika found themselves lingering, standing side by side amidst the sea of festival-goers.

The first firework shot into the sky, bursting into a magnificent array of golden streaks. Shika gazed at the vibrant display, her eyes reflecting the dazzling colors. As she became lost in the beauty of the moment, she felt a soft hand brush against her cheek. Surprised, she turned to see Sota gazing at her with an unreadable expression.

Before she could say anything, Sota leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her lips. Shika's eyes widened in shock, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. But before she knew it, she found herself melting into the warmth of the moment, her own eyes fluttering closed.

As the kiss ended, Sota pulled away slightly, a teasing grin playing on his lips. "You know, I've been wanting to do that for a long time," he admitted.

Shika blushed furiously but managed to meet his gaze. "Is that so?" she replied, trying to sound composed but failing miserably.

Sota's grin softened. "But in all honesty, Shika… I have strong feelings for you."

Shika's breath hitched at his words. She had suspected his feelings before, but hearing them spoken so clearly made her chest tighten with a mix of emotions. "Sota, I… I don't know what to say…" she stammered.

Sota placed a finger gently against her lips. "You don't have to say anything right now," he reassured her. "Just know that I'll be here, waiting for you."

The fireworks continued to paint the sky in mesmerizing colors, but Shika could barely focus on them. She stole a glance at Sota, her heart fluttering as she tried to process everything that had just happened.

Just then, Luna and Ryoku appeared, breaking the moment.

"Hey, lovebirds! Ready to head back?" Luna teased, a sly smirk on her face.

Shika and Sota turned red in unison, but neither denied the accusation. With laughter and playful teasing from their friends, they made their way toward the train station, the night air still filled with the remnants of festival magic.

Later that evening, as they sat down for dinner, Shika's father cleared his throat, his expression serious. "I have an important announcement to make," he began.

The family turned to him with curiosity, waiting for him to continue.

"I've been offered a job opportunity in another country," he said. "We'll be relocating in a few weeks."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Shika's mother was the first to react, her hand flying to her mouth. "Another country? That's quite a distance…" she murmured.

Shika felt her stomach drop. She gripped the edge of the table, struggling to comprehend the reality of what she had just heard. Moving? Leaving everything behind? How could she possibly do that?

Her father continued, "I understand that this is a big change, but it's a rare opportunity. We'll get to experience a new culture, meet new people, and grow as a family."

Shika couldn't find the words to respond. Her mind raced with memories of everything she would have to leave behind—her friends, her school, the places she had known her whole life… Sota.

Her mother, sensing the weight of the situation, spoke up gently. "We should start preparing for the move," she suggested.

Her father nodded. "Yes, we need to be proactive. But I want you all to know—this move isn't just about my job. It's about giving us all a chance to grow, to embrace new opportunities."

Shika forced a small smile, trying to mask the turmoil inside her. She didn't want to be the one to protest, to ruin what was clearly an important moment for her family. But deep down, an ache had already started to settle in her heart.

As the conversation continued around her, Shika barely registered their words. The spring festival, the fireworks, Sota's confession—all of it now felt like a fleeting dream, something she feared she wouldn't get to hold onto for much longer.

And for the first time, she truly realized that she might have to say goodbye.