As we were making our way to the train station to depart from Ayu's residence, I experienced a mixture of calmness and apprehension. I endeavored to compose myself, as I did not wish to cause Ayu unnecessary concern.
"What were those visions? I had assumed that such occurrences were merely theatrical performances," I silently reassured myself. However, as I uttered these words to myself, Ayu abruptly interrupted me, her expression filled with worry.
"Daisuke, what was that? Your scream sounded as if someone had inflicted a stab wound, or perhaps something even more grave," she demanded, holding my hand while maintaining direct eye contact. Despite my reluctance, I found myself looking away, unable to confront the recent events.
"It was nothing," I feebly replied.
"Daisuke, I am here. Please, enlighten me. What was that?"
At that moment, I fell silent, my gaze fixed on her—a profound sense of emotional turmoil and terror washed over me.
"It was nothing," I mumbled.
"Do not deceive me," she insisted, holding my face firmly.
"I witnessed your fear. What transpired?"
"I maintained that it was nothing," my voice had become firmer, colder, and trembling.
"Daisuke…" Ayu instinctively reached out to place her hand on my shoulder.
"Let us return home," I said without looking back, continuing our conversation.
"But-"
"Please," I implored, my voice barely audible. I held Ayu's hand slowly, and she reciprocated by holding it back, refraining from asking again.
I sincerely hoped that this harrowing experience would not forever haunt me. As we both arrived in time to prepare the train for Ayu's return home, she remained visibly concerned about my reaction and demeanor. However, I later realized that Ayu would persistently inquire about the events that had transpired, even when I felt better.
Ayu held my arm and placed her head on my shoulder, a gesture that I believe alleviated my sense of isolation. Nevertheless, I remained silent, determined to ensure Ayu's safety and pretend that the vision had never occurred. While I am uncertain of the methods employed by the elderly individual, I fervently hope that such an occurrence will never befall me again.
As we exited the train station and ascended the stairs to the exit, a red car jeep resembled a Patriot. The flash was still on, and I instinctively covered my eyes, even Ayu. I stepped in front of her as if to protect her from any potential harm.
I heard the car's front door open as the flash continued to illuminate the area. It appeared to be a man, but as he drew closer and positioned himself in front of me, shielding the flash, I could finally make out his face.
As I looked at him closely, it turned out to be Ayu's father. He appeared visibly upset, his face contorted into a scowl, and he was crossing his arms, glaring at me with those familiar hateful eyes.
"Dad," Ayu was surprised to see her father.
"Ayu, please get in the car now," he sternly commanded, gesturing towards his vehicle. His tone conveyed the seriousness of the situation. Ayu listened attentively, her expression filled with embarrassment.
As Ayu was about to enter the car, her father continued to stare at me, maintaining his hostile demeanor. Suddenly, he walked directly towards me.
"Who do you think you are? By being so late with my daughter, you insolent fool!" he exclaimed, placing a finger on my chest. The pain was genuine, although I resisted the urge to react aggressively, as I wanted to respect Ayu's father.
"I apologize for being tardy, sir," I managed to say, My eyes were simply blank. And trauma from the earlier incident. Ayu's father's behavior seemed to stem from his belief that I would have retaliated with verbal abuse or some other form of disrespect. However, he could not contain his anger any longer and grabbed my shirt top, pressing it against my neck.
"Why you!" Ayu's father exclaimed, visibly annoyed by my behavior. However, I was merely seeking to end the situation and return home. Nevertheless, Ayu forcefully held and removed her father's hand, pushing him away.
"Stop it, Dad," she pleaded, "he told you he was sorry, don't you understand?" Ayu was deeply upset with her father, as she was aware of his tendency to exaggerate. Despite her father's apology, Ayu remained visibly upset and looked directly at him.
"Look, Dad, I'm fine. Please stop exaggerating. Let's just go home, okay?"
"Tsk, fine," her father grumbled, looking away from them. However, Ayu noticed my distress and approached me, offering a reassuring kiss on my cheek.
"Do you need a ride?" she inquires, looking into my eyes.
"N-No, I'm fine. I need a walk to just… I just want to be alone right now," I reply, looking at her.
"Ayu, let's go!" Her father shouts out to Ayu. However, Ayu ignores him and hugs me tightly, expressing her concern. I pat her head and kiss her head, and she promptly heads to the car. However, during the walk, she turns around and looks at me.
"Daisuke, please let me know when you get home safely. Also…" Ayu's expression becomes slightly sad, and she looks up at me.
"You're not alone, Daisuke. Everything will be fine. I'll send you a text message," I assure her, trying to reassure her.
Ayu smiles at me, and her father honks his car. Ayu turns around and walks back to the car. The car makes a turn and exits the front of the train station. I am relieved that there were not many people observing us. However, some individuals continue to watch us as they walk away. It is somewhat embarrassing, but I am not overly concerned and simply want to get home.
I return to the train station and board the train. As I sit down, I check the time on my watch. It is already 9:36 pm. I estimate that I will arrive home at 9:53 pm. The estimated time is simply a rough calculation of the distance.
I would prefer to walk a little before reaching home. Additionally, it is the weekend, and Aunt Yumi has her days off. Ren is either playing video games or watching his favorite series.
As I arrive at my distant train stop, I disembark and walk for a short while, trying to calm down and avoid dwelling on the recent events. However, I cannot help but wonder who the elderly, unsettling man was. I am uncertain whether such occurrences are a result of his actions or if the visions he showed me were genuine.
I find myself unable to stop thinking when I am about to leave the place of his. I sit down and look at him as he raises his hands together on the table, a sinister smile spreading across his face, with both eyes white. I am unable to bear the sight.
I sincerely hope that this vision does not haunt me, particularly the image of the elderly man on me, as I am genuinely apprehensive about this prospect.