Geord's house felt empty for a while, as everyone was looking at him with open mouths. They couldn't believe what they just heard. Although it was clearly unexpected, it actually made a lot of sense. Why would Geord want to help out a stranger so much? Was it purely out of his own kindness? No, it wasn't. Geord has offered Yonuro help time and time again, because he is her only uncle.
Yonuro / Samei / Ramael - WH—?
A few seconds later, Yonuro stood up. She looked down at her plate and then moved her gaze towards Geord. She was still shocked but her expression gave off a sense of relief as well. Soon enough, she came to accept the revelation and her face shone bright.
Yonuro- Geord... You should have said so earlier... (baka...)
Geord smiled slightly and said "Come here, Yonuro..."
Yonuro walked towards Geord, who also stood up.
Geord hugged Yonuro and said "I'm sorry..."
Yonuro became emotional and teared up. Those tears weren't shed out of sadness, though. They were tears of relief and happiness.
Everyone else in the room caught on quickly with the new mood that was now present. They exclaimed a friendly "ow.." sound when they hugged.
When they let go of the hug, Yonuro said "Thank you, Geord." and then sat at the table once again.
Geord- Well, everyone. Let's dig in! (Itadakimasu)
Samei / Yonuro- Mhm!
Ramael- Yay...
While eating the curry, the girls asked Geord many things about his personality, interests and other hobbies.
They got to know Geord a lot better while having the most delicious meal ever.
Laughter and cheerful conversations followed. They spent time with a Geord they had never seen before. Everyone cherished those happy moments they made. They were carved in their hearts forever.
At some point, in the midst of all of this, Yonuro said:
Yonuro- By the way, I'm so glad it was you, Geord.
Geord- Hm?
Yonuro- My only uncle I mean. I'm so happy it was you. I always wanted to open up to you completely, but since I never really got to know you, such a thing wasn't possible. Now, however, I'm seeing what a wonderful person you really are. And again, I'm so glad that I got to know you better!
Geord had been feeling the same way all this time. He wanted to spend more time with Yonuro, but he was restricted by Kanae's threats. It was such an important moment for him and so moved was he, that he shed a few tears of joy.
Geord- This is a dream come true for me, too... I've been wanting to tell you for such a long time, but I was— I just couldn't...
I'm so glad I am finally able to open up to you like this. I'm— so happy...
Seeing those feelings reciprocated, Yonuro's eyes brightened up and she felt right at "home" once again.
Now that Yonuro's house is all burnt down, that her parents have disappeared and the psychological trauma that came with it, the reunion with Geord felt like a ressurection of Yonuro's life.
Now that she knows who Geord really is, her only uncle, she is able to open up to him even more. She can now fully trust him and see him as a dear friend.
Samei and Ramael, Yonuro's best friends, accepted Geord as a dear ally quickly as well.
From now on, the 4 of them will group together and develop a wholesome relationship. That event called for a celebration. That's what Geord thought.
Geord- Well, everyone. This reunion marks the beginning of our new life! I can now be here with you guys without having to worry about anything. From now on, we can all be here together as a team, with our "base" being this small house of mine. Although it's been a rough time for all of us, for now at least, we can take a step back and enjoy ourselves to our hearts content!
Geord opened the fridge and brought back many cans of beer.
Everyone screamed Yay! and they all giggled while opening them.
They all drank beer and laughed with their souls. For an antisocial group as the were, the things they did to celebrate didn't match that description at all. Playing truth or dare, various other challenges and games revolving drinking as punishment, it wasn't like something a few shut-ins would do. Even for Samei, who's standning on the grey line between introverts and extroverts, it was a thrilling experience. To everyone else, even more so apparently. It was a first time experience that couldn't be forgotten.
Yonuro isn't really used to drinking and for a 17-year-old girl, this somewhat large amount of alcohol was a bit too much for her. Consequently, she was now drunk and ready to make things even more interesting.
She went close to Samei and gave her an one-sided side hug.
Yonuro- Ahhhhh Sameiii!!!!! Why aren't you drinking moreeee????? We're yugh* partying now!!!!
*yugh*
Samei- Errrr I'm okay, thanks, but I think I've drank enough—
Yonuro tried to make her drink with any means possible.
Yonuro- C'mon Samei!!!! Just one moree!!! I'll drink them both if you resfusee!!! Hahahahaha!!!!
Samei told Ramael to calm her down but it didn't go as planned...
Samei- Ramael, do something about... this!!!
Ramael- Okay, I'll make her stop, nooooo worriessss... Buuut first, let's drink some more Samei!!! Hahahahaha! I haven't felt this way for sooo long! Come hereeee!
Ramael jumped on to Samei and covered her face with her body.
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
Yonuro then moved abruptly forwards to try and catch Ramael. The can of beer she was holding had a solid momentum and as Yonuro wasn't grasping it tightly, it was launched towards Ramael and Samei.
Samei screamed as her clothes became soaked in beer. Ramael screamed slightly but wasn't displeased with her getting wet.
Samei- Why does this always happen to me?!
Her now wet clothes became somewhat revealing and Geord was taken aback from the quick and successive questionable events. He didn't know how to respond so he made a wry smile, while also slightly blushing from the alcohol consumption and the interesting sight in front of him.
Yonuro tried to get Ramael back to her shoulders but Samei wouldn't let her do so.
Samei- Yonuro, Now's not the time!!! I REALLY NEED RAMAEL RIGHT NOW!
She used Ramael to cover the revealing areas of her wet clothes. Yonuro blushed, but contrary to Geord, she also burst out laughing as she was so drunk that she couldn't control herself or read the situation.
Ramael responded with "Wow... yours are—"
Samei, blushed and screamed once again before rushing to the bathroom.
Samei- NOWHERE IS SAFE! AHHHHH!
Yonuro, Ramael and even Geord laughed at that reaction, as it was obvious that Samei wasn't annoyed in the least but at heart she did want to play along.
Samei found a white robe in the bathroom. She wore it and wrapped the belt tightly. She said "Yoshi. We're good to go now."
When she exited the bathroom, she could hear everyone singing along a J-pop song that had stuck to Yonuro's head. Yes, everyone. Even Geord was drunk and he would follow along silently, although his voice was somewhat ruining the song.
Samei let out a long sigh and said while smiling
Samei- You guys...
She sped up her movement toward the kitchen table, grabbed a can of beer when she arrived and joined them.
Yonuro clapped happily when she saw Samei being excited about it as well.
They all sang and laughed together. They had never had so much fun before. It was the best ending a night could ever have.
After they had finished partying, everyone fell asleep on either the couch or Geord's bed.
The next day...
When she woke up, Yonuro yawned and got up. Immediatelly after, she realized how drunk she was yesterday and quietly uttered
Yonuro- Oh, fuck.
She felt dizzy, her stomache aching and her head pounding. As Samei was still sleeping right next to her, she walked to the toilet on her tiptoes so as not to wake her up.
Because of the Angelic Bond, Ramael was feeling a bit dizzy, too. Since it wasn't that serious, though, she decided to stay in bed for a little while longer.
A few minutes after Yonuro had entered the bathroom, Geord woke up. He had slept on couch as there was no second bed at hand.
As soon as he set foot in the corridor that connected his bedroom with the bathroom, he saw Yonuro's face as she was exiting the bathroom. Her expression was that of pure disgust because she had puked a few times just a moment ago.
Geord- G'morning, Yonuro... Err... Are you okay?
Yonuro- 'Morning, Geord... I'm... better, I guess...
Geord- You sure did drink a lot yesterday... Hehehe...
Yonuro- I don't even remember what happened after I lost that truth or dare to be honest... I think I did a few weird things, but I can't really tell.
Although Geord was drunk as well the previous day, he was able to recall everything that happened. He just laughed a bit over what Yonuro said before saying
Geord- Nothing too crazy or worrisome... Surely... Hehehe...
Yonuro then scratched her head with a wry smile before saying
Yonuro- I hope so... Ha Hah...
Geord then noticed something as she did that. The sleeve of the jacket she was wearing seemed familiar...
Geord- Wait... Have you been wearing my jacket this whole time...?
"How the fuck didn't I notice that earlier?" He thought.
Yonuro- Oh yeah I've been wanting to tell you. It's comfy and whatnot but... It's a bit long and you know— but I didn't know how to put it. I mean it's already so much that you've done for us...
Geord tapped his head with his fingers a couple times to express his silliness.
Geord- How silly of me... I should've bought you some clothes right from the get go, but I totally forgot...
After remembered this, it also occured to him that Samei was in the same boat as Yonuro.
Geord- We're gonna buy some clothes for you two in a bit, okay?
Yonuro- Mhm! Thanks!
Geord- You really don't have to thank me. Anyway, I'll go make some tea... Nah, I really liked the coffee yesterday, so I'll go make that instead. Yeah, coffee's better. If you want anything, I'll be in the kitchen.
He smiled and left the scene.
Yonuro wanted to spend some time alone so she went outside for a short stroll around the corner.
—————————————————————
Roughly ten minutes later, Yonuro got back home and surprisingly saw Ramael in the living room. She was apparently awake and staring outside the window from the couch.
"Wait how did she get there— Nevermind" Yonuro thought.
Yonuro- Good morning, Ramael! Is everything alright?
Ramael snapped out of it and responded quickly.
Ramael- G' morning, Yonuro! Yeah, I'm okay. Just looking at the clouds.
Yonuro understood that something was troubling her so she sat next to her and said.
Yonuro- Hey, you can talk to me if you feel like it.
Ramael averted her gaze and thought about it for a while before responding.
Ramael- I was just thinking about what Geord said yesterday. I'm a bit worried about what actually happened between your mother and Geord and in general about what happened till this point. We have a lot of missing puzzle pieces and I can't stop thinking about it. But I didn't want to bring this up again...
Yonuro didn't respond to her at first.
Ramael- It's nothing... Please forget it—
Yonuro- No, I understand. I knew that we'd be worrying over the same thing.
Ramael- So I wasn't the only one concerned about it...
Yonuro slightly nodded.
Ramael- I should have realized that sooner. You must have been thinking about it way more than I was.
Yonuro- Yeah, this morning I've been thinking a lot about this whole mess...
Yonuro paused for a little while and after she had let out a long sigh, she said.
Yonuro- Do you wanna ask Geord about it?
Ramael was suddened by that question.
Ramael- What?! Are you really okay with it? Yesterday, It was a bit rough for you...
Yonuro- I'll be fine. I promise. Besides, If it's worrying us both then we'll need to ask him eventually. It's not like I'm going to back down now.
"I need to face it. I can't hide from my past anymore. This is the only chance I have." Yonuro thought.
Ramael- I'm glad Yonuro. This shows how determined and strong you've become. I really admire your self growth.
Yonuro- Thanks, Ramael. You've helped me get this far, so you deserve more credit, hehe.
Ramael smiled and got on Yonuro's shoulders, before heading to the kitchen.
———————————————————————
As if he was a medium, Geord had anticipated Yonuro's decision of joining him for coffee. He had prepared a cup for her beforehand and was now waiting for her with his fingers interlaced and his elbows pressing against the table.
Yonuro- Hey, Geord! Can I join you for coffee?
Geord- Hey there! Of course! Let's keep each other company till we drink the coffee and then we'll head for the shops.
Yonuro- You made me a cup already? Thanks!
Ramael- Smells nice!
Geord didn't notice Ramael at first.
Geord- Oh! Good moring, Ramael! Did you sleep well?
Ramael- Morning Geord! Um— I am unable to sleep in this current form, but I was feeling so tired and dizzy that relaxing on your soft bed felt kinda nice.
Geord took a sip of coffee and eagerly nodded.
Yonuro tried the coffee as well and then said
Yonuro- Your coffee is unbelievably good Geord!
Geord thanked her and continued savoring the splendid flavor of the coffee. Afterwards, he started talking about the place they were about to go for shopping.
The clock was ticking but Yonuro hadn't found a chance to ask him about it. The relaxed aura around the kitchen made it difficult to find an opening and start that conversation again.
Yonuro thought about giving up for a moment.
On second thought however, she remembered that she had to be decisive. Awkward or not, she had to talk to him about it.
Just as Geord was about to finish drinking his coffee, Yonuro abruptly said.
Yonuro- Listen Geord, we have to talk about something.
Geord- Sure, what happened?
Yonuro- This will be for everyone's sake. That's why I'll be asking you this.
With a determined tone of voice she requested the following.
"Geord, I want you to finish telling us about the tragic story of the Tokiyama family."
Everyone then heard the bathroom door closing and someone's steps as they were approaching the kitchen.
Samei- Hey everyone! Wait— Am I interrupting something?
Geord- I won't judge your decision but... Are you sure, Yonuro?
Yonuro nodded deeply.
Samei was confused and said "What's going on?"
Geord- 'morning Samei. Take a seat.
Samei sat at the unoccupied chair.
Geord- Okay then, everyone. Before going to the shops, I'll finish what I started yesterday. I'll tell you all the tragic story of the Tokiyama family and how I am connected to all this.
This is going to be quite the journey, so buckle up.