Chapter 9: Dreams, Bonds, and Unspoken Longing.

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The winter chill had grown sharper overnight, blanketing the city in a fresh layer of snow. Kaoru Kagami sat by his window, his laptop open and glowing faintly in the dim light of his apartment. A steaming cup of instant coffee sat untouched beside him as his fingers hovered over the keyboard.

His new manga, untitled as of now, had already begun to take shape. The story revolved around a young man in a bustling city who unwittingly falls in love with a childhood friend he's long forgotten. As much as Kaoru wanted to pour his soul into the project, something weighed on him.

Across the room, Aya Takahashi sat curled up with her laptop, reviewing the first chapter Kaoru had submitted. Her cold and calculating demeanor remained intact, though every so often, her lips would twitch into the faintest smile as she read his words.

"Your pacing's better this time," she remarked, breaking the silence. "Though some of the dialogue feels… personal."

Kaoru flinched, quickly turning his gaze toward her. "Personal? Nah, it's just... a coincidence. You know how it is, inspiration comes from anywhere."

Aya's eyes narrowed. "You based the heroine on someone, didn't you?"

Kaoru froze, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "W-who? Me? I would never—"

Before he could finish, the door slammed open, and Kaede burst in, her breath visible in the cold air. "Oohh Big Broo! You'll never guess what I found!"

Kaoru and Aya both turned, startled. "Kaede! Don't just barge in like that!" Kaoru groaned.

Kaede ignored him, holding up a shiny keychain. "Look! It's from that old show we used to watch! Remember? The one with the giant robots and the red scarf?!"

Kaoru's eyes lit up. "No way! Where did you even find that?!"

Aya rolled her eyes, muttering, "This is what passes for a family reunion, I see."

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Scene 1 Action!: Kaoru's Unfinished Story

Later that evening, as Kaede settled in on the couch with a manga volume in hand, Aya approached Kaoru's desk.

"I noticed something about your draft," she said, setting down her notes. "The protagonist keeps hesitating when he's about to confess. It's like he's scared of leaving something behind."

Kaoru leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling. "Yeah, that's… kind of the point. He's torn between chasing his dreams and holding on to the past."

Aya crossed her arms. "And you didn't think to include why? What's holding him back?"

Kaoru hesitated. He wasn't sure how much of himself he wanted to pour into the story.

"Maybe I'll add it in later," he mumbled.

Aya studied him for a moment, her cold gaze softening ever so slightly. "Sometimes, Kaoru, the best stories are the ones we're afraid to tell."

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Scene 2 Action!: Memories of the Family House.

The next morning, Kaede surprised Kaoru by making breakfast a chaotic mix of scrambled eggs, toast, and something she claimed was "experimental." Aya eyed the plates warily, eventually settling for coffee.

As they ate, Kaede brought up the family house. "It's weird being away from it, you know? I keep thinking about the old days when we'd all sit around the kotatsu and watch TV."

Kaoru nodded, memories flooding back. Their family had always been close-knit, spending snowy evenings together laughing and telling stories.

Kaede's voice softened. "You know, they really miss you, big bro. Mom and Dad… they don't say it outright, but they're always waiting for you to come back."

Kaoru looked away, his grip tightening on his mug. "I know. But I've got things I need to do here."

Aya glanced between them, sensing the weight of the conversation. For all of Kaoru's chuunibyo antics, there was something deeply human about the way he avoided eye contact.

Kaede sighed, forcing a smile. "Well, I guess you'll come back when you're ready. Just don't take too long, okay?"

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Scene 3 Action!: A Walk Down From a Memory Lane!

That afternoon, Kaoru, Aya, and Kaede ventured out into the city again, this time to a shopping district Kaoru and Kaede used to frequent as kids.

The place was filled with references that stirred memories for Kaoru. The street vendors, the arcade with its iconic claw machine, and even the crepe stand that looked exactly like one from a famous high school romance anime.

Kaoru pointed to the crepe stand, grinning. "Remember when I used to treat you to those, Kaede?"

Kaede laughed. "Yeah, but only because you wanted me to stop crying after losing at the claw machine!"

Aya, unable to help herself, smirked. "You lost at a claw machine? I'm shocked."

Kaoru puffed out his chest dramatically. "That was the old me! Now I am a master of precision and skill!"

Aya arched an eyebrow. "Prove it."

Kaoru marched into the arcade, declaring his victory in advance. Naturally, he lost spectacularly.

Kaede and Aya doubled over laughing, while Kaoru slumped in defeat. "This machine is clearly rigged," he muttered.

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Scene 4 Action!: Kaede's Stay Extends

By the end of the day, the trio returned to Kaoru's apartment, arms full of shopping bags. Kaoru was about to collapse onto the couch when Kaede dropped another bombshell.

"So, funny thing," she began casually. "The house isn't quite ready yet. They found more infestations, so I'll be staying here a bit longer!"

Aya visibly twitched. "You've got to be kidding me."

Kaede beamed at her. "Oh, don't worry! I'll try not to get in the way of your 'important editor duties.'"

Aya buried her face in her hands. "Why me…"

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Scene 5 Action... Late-Night Reflection.

That night, after Kaede had fallen asleep, Kaoru sat alone at his desk, staring at the first chapter of his new manga. His mind wandered to his family, his childhood, and the unspoken expectations they had for him.

His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts. It was a text from Kaede.

"big Bro, I know you're doing great things,

but the whole family is still waiting for you to come back someday. We miss you."

Kaoru set his phone down, a lump forming in his throat. He knew they missed him. He missed them too. But how could he explain the drive that kept him here the need to prove himself, to create something meaningful?

Aya's earlier words echoed in his mind: "The best stories are the ones we're afraid to tell."

Kaoru sighed, glancing at the framed photo on his desk of his family gathered around the kotatsu. "Someday," he whispered.

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End Of Chapter Nine.