The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and Hikaru…
…was sweating buckets into his shirt.
Perfect weather for meeting Mei's parents.
He tugged at his collar, feeling the heat creep up his neck – not from the sun, but from the nerves boiling inside him.
Then–
Buzz!
His phone vibrated in his pocket.
Hikaru pulled it out, curious.
A message from Teshii.
Teshii: Hikaru!!!
Teshii: I forgot to mention something to you before you left!
Hikaru blinked at the screen, confused.
"I wonder what he forgot to tell me?" he thought.
He typed back:
Hikaru: What is it?
There was brief pause.
And then–
Teshii: Make sure to use protection!!!!
Hikaru's entire face turned bright red.
He stared at the screen, mortified.
"W-What the hell?!"
He furiously typed a reply:
Hikaru:SHUT UP, TESHII!!!!!!
A second later–
Teshii: HAHAHAHAHA!
Hikaru groaned loudly and shoved his phone back into his pocket, facepalming so hard it echoed through the street.
"This guy…" he muttered through clenched teeth.
"I swear, one day… I'm gonna throw him into a lake."
And yet…
Despite everything…
He couldn't help but smile just a little.
10 Minutes Later…
Hikaru had finally arrived at the Tomita Estate.
And he just stood there, staring at the building in awe.
A massive, traditional-yet-modern mansion sat at the centre of a vast expanse of immaculately maintained land. The architecture blended elegance and status with a deep-rooted heritage that echoed power. Behind it, nestled against the horizon, was a dense; emerald forest – the same forest where Moriya lived with the other tribe members.
Hikaru walked through the grand estate gates, feeling smaller with every step he took. As he approached the main entrance, his nerves churned even harder.
That's when he spotted a figure standing before the estate's main door.
A tall woman with poise and grace, dressed in a refined maid uniform – Yuki, the Head Maid of the estate.
The moment Yuki noticed him, she stepped forward and gave a deep, elegant bow.
"Welcome… Master Hikaru. Miss Mei and her parents have been expecting you."
Hikaru froze on the spot.
"Master?!"
He wasn't used to being addressed like royalty. He awkwardly rubbed the back of his neck.
"Uh… Thank you very much, Yuki. But, you can drop the whole 'master' thing."
Yuki straightened her posture and offered a composed nod. "My apologies… but as Head Maid, it is my duty to show the utmost respect to all of our guests."
Hikaru gave her an awkward smile, trying to shake off his nerves. "I-Is that so.."
But then–
His expression softened.
He noticed something. Just like the last time he came here with Mei and the others…
Yuki was wearing that same, subtle sad expression. Her eyes distant. Her posture too perfect, too practiced.
He wanted to ask – why – but now wasn't the time.
"Please… follow me, Master Hikaru." Yuki stepped to the side, opening the grand doors of the estate with practiced elegance.
She waited patiently
Hikaru took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was next.
Meeting Mei's parents.
"Alright… here we go," he muttered under his breath, then stepped inside.
Hikaru was now inside the inside the Tomita Estate, walking nervously alongside the Head Maid, Yuki.
The grand hallway stretched ahead – high ceilings, elegant lantern-style lights, and the soft scent of freshly brewed tea in the air. Every step echoed, and every second that passed added weight to his nerves.
Then–
"Hikaru!"
He looked up at the top of the grand staircase, eyes snapping toward the familiar voice.
It was Mei.
She was standing there with a soft smile, wearing a light hooded shawl over her shoulders. She gracefully descended the steps, her excitement hard to miss.
"You look great, Hikaru!" Mei beamed.
Hikaru blushed. "W-Well… I had to make sure I made a great impression on your parents."
Mei chuckled. "But you didn't have to dress that smart!"
Hikaru blinked. "W-What do you mean?"
"My mom and dad aren't really the type to care about what people wear. They just want you to be yourself."
"A-Are you serious?" Hikaru asked, eyes wide.
Mei nodded with a smile. "Absolutely."
Hikaru immediately dropped to his knees in defeat, burying his face in his hands. "I knew it. I spent the whole morning stressing about what to wear."
Then – he quickly stood up and cleared his throat.
"Well… at least I got to watch Teshii get buried by my clothes. That made it slightly worth it."
Mei giggled, then turned to Yuki. "Yuki, I'll take it from here. Could you please prepare some tea for us?"
Yuki gave a graceful bow. "As you wish, Miss Mei."
She turned and walked off toward the kitchen.
Hikaru glanced over his shoulder, watching Yuki leave. That same feeling of quiet sadness still lingered around her, and he couldn't shake the concern from his mind.
Then–
Mei gently grabbed his hand.
Hikaru flinched slightly, his face turning red.
"Come on, Hikaru," she said with a warm smile. "Let's go. My mum and dad are waiting."
And with that, Mei tugged his hand and led him toward the dining room.
Mei led Hikaru into the dining room.
A massive dining table stretched across the vast space, polished to perfection. Elegant chandeliers hung overhead, casting a soft, warm glow that bathed the room in a gentle light.
Two people were already seated at the table.
Shinji Tomita.
Natsumi Tomita.
"Mum! Dad! Hikaru is here," Mei said cheerfully.
Shinji and Natsumi both looked up rom their tea, turning toward their daughter – and the young man beside her.
Shinji stood up, his presence calm but firm, and walked toward them with a smile.
"So… this is the young man Mei won't shut up about."
Mei's face turned red. "Dad!"
Shinji chuckled softly. "I'm just teasing, Mei."
He turned to Hikaru and extended his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Hikaru."
Hikaru quickly took the offered hand, returning the firm handshake.
Soon, the four of them were seated at the long table, sipping on warm, earthy matcha tea prepared by Yuki, who had quietly brought in the tray before slipping back into the kitchen.
Hikaru took a sip of the matcha, letting the bitterness coat his tongue, then glanced over at Mei, who was also sipping quietly. His eyes drifted toward Shinji and Natsumi. A question had been sitting in the back of his mind since he arrived – not one of his own, exactly, but something Teshii had insisted he ask.
"Um… Mr. and Mrs. Tomita?" Hikaru said politely.
Both Shinji and Natsumi looked up from their cups.
"I have a question. Well… technically, it's from a froend of mine – Teshii. He's really curious about how the tea business came about."
Natsumi gently placed her teacup down and smiled at Hikaru.
"If he's that curious… I wouldn't mind telling you."
Hikaru leaned forward slightly, intrigued.
Natsumi's voice took on a soft, almost storybook tone.
"Generations ago, before the Tomita name was known for herbal blends and porcelain teacups, our family lived as humble forest dwellers. The very first Tomita, a healer named Kazuha Tomita, lived deep within the mountains near where the estate now stands. She was known for her deep bond with nature – she used to speak of the whispers of the leaves, and how the wind carried secrets only the attentive could hear."
Hikaru's eyes widened. "Kazuya Tomita?"
Natsumi nodded.
"Yes… Kazuya wasn't just a healer. She believed that every plant had a personality, a purpose, and that when brewed with intention, tea could do more than just heal the body. Ot could soothe grief, spark joy… even guide dreams. Her unique blends became quietly sought-after by travellers, warriors, even nobles."
"I see," Hikaru said softly. "I agree with her. Tea really can soothe grief and spark joy…"
Shinji chuckled lightly and picked up the story where Natsumi left off.
"As word spread, her children – and their children – began cultivating the herbs Kazuya once foraged. The family moved from their forest hut to a modest estate, never forgetting their roots. Over time, the tea grew in reputation, and our name became known."
He paused, then added with a twinkle in his eye, "They say our finest blends still carry the soul of the forest. Even today, people whisper that the gardens behind the estate are enchanted – and only those with a heart truly connected to nature can find its rarest herbs."
Hikaru sat in silence, absorbing the story.
"Wow… just wow, Mr. and Mrs. Tomita. That story… it's absolutely amazing," Hikaru said, eyes wide with admiration.
Shinji smiled warmly. "Thank you, Hikaru."
Hikaru turned toward Mei, curiosity lighting his features. "So… is Mei the next generation?"
Natsumi nodded with pride. "Yes, she is. Shinji and I are hoping that you and she will continue our legacy one day."
Hikaru blinked, startled. "Me?"
Shinji raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you and Mei dating?"
Mei immediately shot up from her seat, face flushed. "Dad! Me and Hikaru aren't dating! I'm just introducing him to you as my friend!"
Natsumi sipped her tea with a sly smile. "Oh, really? If you're introducing us to a friend who happens to be a boy, does that mean you two might be together eventually?"
Then–
BUZZ!
Hikaru's phone vibrated in his pocket. He picked it up and glanced at the screen.
A voice message from Teshii.
He hesitated… and played it.
Teshii: "That's exactly what I said!"
Both Hikaru and Mei turned bright red.
"Teshii…" Hikaru growled and quickly sent a voice message back.
"SHUT UP, TESHII!"
The entire room erupted into laughter.
As the laughter continued, Hikaru let out a deep sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"That Teshii…" he muttered under his breath.
But as he looked up, the amusement drained from his face.
Standing quietly by the door, Yuki remained unmoving, her expression unchanged. Her pale blue eyes seemed distant – haunted – like they were staring into a memory she couldn't escape.
The room felt lighter a moment ago, but now… Hikaru felt it. That weight. That sadness that had followed her like a shadow from the very first time he met her.
He couldn't ignore it anymore.
"Um…" Hikaru started, his voice a little hesitant.
The laughter in the room faded as everyone turned to look at him. Even Mei's parents paused, sensing the shift in his tone.
Hikaru looked at Yuki.
"Can I ask…" He hesitated, then said softly, "Why does Yuki look so sad?"
Mei's expression falted. She looked at her parents.
Shinji met her eyes and gave a quiet, subtle nod – permission.
Mei took a breath and looked back at Hikaru. Her smile was gone now, replaced with something gentle… and heavy.
"Yeah," she said quietly. "Yuki has been sad… for a long time."
Hikaru's brow furrowed. "Why?"
Mei looked down for a second, collecting her words.
"She lost her son," she said, almost a whisper. "Sixteen years ago. He was only two years old… and one day, he just disappeared."
Hikaru's breath hitched. His eyes widened.
"…What?"
Mei nodded solemnly. "He was taken. No one knows who did it. No one ever found him. He just… vanished."
Silence fell over the room.
Sixteen years.
Sixteen years without answers.
Sixteen years of imagining, hoping, fearing.
Hikaru looked at Yuki again. She hadn't moved – but he could see it. The way her hands were clenched just slightly too tight. The way her mouth trembled even though she tried to stay composed. Her eyes were glassy, shining from unshed tears.
Sixteen years of pain etched into every quiet breath she took.
Hikaru's fists clenched in his lap.
She had lost someone precious. Just like Haruto lost his brother. Just like Ikazuchi lost his mother – and then his father.
And she was still here. Still serving, still standing, carrying it all.
Then–
"Well… let's talk about something else now!" Natsumi suddenly said, trying to lift the mood.
Hikaru turned to her, a little surprised. "Huh?"
"If we keep talking about this," Natsumi said gently, "it'll only hurt Yuki even more."
Hikaru looked at Yuki again.
She hadn't said a word.
But she looked like she might break at any moment.
"…Oh… uh… sure," Hikaru said softly, looking down.
"Well then, Hikaru," Natsumi continued, in a lighter tone. "How's university?"
Hikaru didn't answer right away.
He just sat there, his gaze still lingering on Yuki – who remained by the doorway, motionless, with eyes that held sixteen years of heartbreak.
And for the first time… he realized there was far more pain in this world than he ever imagined.
TO BE CONTINUED!!!