The job was exhilarating, the most exciting Sota'd ever had. The stunts were high adrenaline, pushing him beyond his limits, but what impressed him most was the professionalism of the entire team. Their energy was contagious. It was inspiring to see how passionate and skilled everyone was, and Sota couldn't help but feel invigorated.
In his free time, he explored, taking in the breathtaking beauty of Norway. The snowy mountains felt as if he had returned to a place he truly belonged. Not to mention the northern lights. They were otherworldly, like something from a dream. He stood there, captivated, his eyes filled with tears. Damn, why am I crying?
He pulled out his map, marking off places he'd visited and adding notes about.
Sota stood on the balcony of his temporary apartment, the cool air brushing against his skin. The past week had been refreshing, a brief escape from the constant pressure and judgment he'd felt back in Japan. Here, he could step out onto the street without worrying about being scrutinized by strangers or weighed down by his family's issues. No one cared about his mother or their relationship. It was liberating, like a breath of fresh air after holding his breath for far too long.
The people here were so much more open-minded, so different. Their approach to life felt free of the harsh expectations that had weighed him down in Japan.
Life here would be so much better, for so many reasons.
So many reasons...
Then, out of the corner of his eye, a figure appeared: deep red hair cascading over her shoulders, and a tempting dress that revealed more than was considered proper back in Japan.
"Are you ready for the celebrations? The others are waiting for you," she breathed, her voice soft yet inviting.
"Everything is falling apart!"
Tatsuya opened his door to find a fragile, trembling figure curled up against the doorframe. She was sobbing, her whole body shaking.
"Saori! What happened?"
She lifted her tear-streaked face.
"I didn't get accepted into university!" The words came out in a broken gasp.
Tatsuya's chest tightened. He knew how much this had meant to her.
"Hey," he whispered, pulling her into a firm embrace.
Saori clung to him, burying her face against his chest. "What am I supposed to do now?" Her voice was barely above a whisper.
He ran his fingers through her hair in a soothing motion. "Not everything works out on the first try. If you really want this, just keep trying until they have no choice but to admit you."
Just like I do with you, Tatsuya thought.
"I know that, but I can't wait for the next admission," she sniffled, "my parents told me if I don't start university now, they won't let me move out from home. Which means we can't be together. That's just not fair!"
„They just want to make sure you're responsible enough," Tatsuya said.
"They're overdoing it! They're ruining my life!"
Tatsuya let out a quiet sigh, then took her hand and gently pulled her toward the door. "Come on, we're going back home," he said firmly.
"Why? Why can't you support me?" She yanked her hand away, her eyes searching his face. "Didn't you support Sota when he ran away from home? You let him stay at your place. You helped him hide!"
"That was different."
"Different? How?" she snapped.
Tatsuya met her gaze, his voice steady. "There are parents who make strict decisions out of love. And then there are parents who try to control you for their own sake, not out of love."
Saori stared at him, her breathing uneven. " And how do I know which one my parents are?"
"If they truly love you, their rules might be frustrating, but they're meant to guide you, not cage you. If they see you happy, they'll ease up, even if it takes time, even if there are disagreements along the way."
Silence stretched between them. Saori looked down, biting her lip.
Tatsuya reached for her hand again, his grip firm yet reassuring. "Running away won't solve this," he said softly. "If you want them to see you as an adult, you have to face them like one."
"But what if they forbid us from being together?"
"Then I'll prove myself to them," he said, determination clear in his voice. "And I'll wait until they accept me."
Saori swallowed hard. Then, with a slow, reluctant nod, she let him lead her out the door.