4-85: Childish Quarrel (1/5)

4-85: Childish Quarrel (1/5)

A group of children was playing harmoniously among themselves.

Three boys laughed joyfully.

Their directions in life were different.

Their personalities too differed.

And even their preferences were distinct.

The troublemaker.

The ally of justice.

The underachiever.

Yet despite that, they got along.

Perhaps they each thought that they couldnt leave the other two alone, and the troublemaker would plot, while the ally of justice would get angry, and the underachiever would smile wryly.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

The ally of justice would charge ahead, while the underachiever would buy time, and the troublemaker would lay the groundwork.

The underachiever would say a few words, and the ally of justice and the troublemaker would become startled and stop.

These were the innocent, dream-like days of a group of boys.

They played together, studied together, fell together, cried together, laughed togetherand were scolded together.

That was especially so when the mother would come running at the slightest hint of something amiss.

You brats! What mischievousness are you brats up to this time!?

They would flinch every time they were given an earful.

But, Mom, all we did was take out the trash.

Dont worry, Aunt. No one noticed it was us.

Sorry, the most I could do was make their plans peaceful.

Flinch?

Oh, yes. Despite the way they were acting, they were in fact flinching.

Oh, goodness, truly a bunch of helpless children How terrifying.

Though she seemed to scold them, she merely lamented how troublesome they were and never said anything to deny them.

She didnt tell the other parents of their pranks either.

Of course, she wouldnt cover for them if their actions went too far, but regardless, there was no way for the children to understand her thoughts.

However



Takeshi.

The person that appeared was a young man dressed in a formal suit and a black tie.

He appeared to be in his early twenties. His face and hair color made it clear at first glance that he was of Japanese descent, and while his glasses adorned a gentlemanly countenance, he also possessed the melancholic charm of a handsome young man.

Behind him, who appeared to be his escort, stood a tall, blond man with a striking beauty that was nothing like that of Japanese ethnicity, yet at the same time, it also wasnt something identifiable with any particular nationality.

That man said nothing though he did mind the presence of the woman but regardless, he stood quietly there in his place, while the young man standing before him, Takeshi Sasaki, responded to Shinichis words with a genuinely cheerful smile and a nod.

Yes. There are certainly times when Id like to hear her voice.

Mother complex.

Right off the bat!? Dont you have a similar issue yourself!?

Im my mommas boy, so its fine.

Uwaah, and that usual self-centered attitude of yours reveals itself once again. How is it that someone so timid on the surface is actually so arrogant deep inside!?

Its your imagination.

How much do you think Ive suffered because of that!?

Well, sorry about that, and thanks.

And as usual, youre honest in the strangest of places!

The man and woman behind each of the two men opened their eyes wide in surprise.

It has been 2 years for Shinichi and 8 years for Takeshi but at long last, theyve reunited, and what a lighthearted reunion it was.

It was as though they had been practicing this two-man comedy skit in secret, but

Fu, ku ku.

Fu fu, ha ha.

Unable to contain themselves any longer, the two burst into laughter and, as if they had planned it, suddenly raised their hands and executed a perfectly synchronized high-five.

In the quiet, and for some reason deserted, cemetery, a sharp, clear sound echoed through the air as the two men exchanged glances, a testament to their close bond.

Welcome back, Shinichi, but you took too long. Theres a limit to being late, you know.

Im back, Takeshi. Youll have to send your complaints to the turtle that carried me.

So you basically ended up like Taro Urashima, huh

Nah, I still made it in time. I was able to meet the people I wanted to meet too Well, everyone except auntie.

Though Shinichi continued to talk lightheartedly, Takeshi could not help but notice the sorrow in his eyes that were directed at the gravestone.

I see, was all Takehi said as he too placed the flowers he had on him on the grave and clasped his hands in a prayer. His escort behind him followed suit.