"Yawn~"
"**So Nee-chan… Why am I sleeping in your room again?"
It is a peaceful night in the Hikari household, but Ai suddenly found herself just as she asked. One thing that the family did not lose hold of from their homeland's roots was futon. Despite their house not appearing marginally Japanese from the outside and the inside, what matters is the culture that has been upheld under the roof.
It is just one instance that the whole family taking their own rests on the Japanese mattresses, unconventional to Orio's norms, in spite of not having a tatami floor that brings extra comfort.
"**Remember when we used to sleep like this when we were kids? I used to hug you a lot when I slept, huh?"
"**That was ages ago… I don't really know if I will mind it now though."
"**Ehh, so back then you didn't?"
"**I hope you're thankful that you have a sister like me."
"**Of course I am~" followed by Haru embracing her from behind.
"…"
"One mattress would be cramped so I guess this is fine.
Honestly, you're still a kid inside, nee-chan."
"**Well, good night."
"**You're letting me do this… good night."
~ ~ ~
4 hours later, 2am.
"**Oh, sorry. Did I wake you, Ai?" with no signs of tiredness from Haru's tone, she apologized.
"Huh…"
"**Let's go back to sleep. You know we have the same schedule on mornings."
"**O-Okay."
For not more than half an hour, Ai was not able to sleep somehow. It was only a few minutes of an exchange of words, yet she felt something off which did not let her eyes shut. Nonetheless, she pretended to sleep while trying to observe.
Her ears on the expectedly quiet night caught a handful of forced deep breaths, and occasionally very long sighs beside her which finally hit a nail on her supposed worries. Finally she turned to her sister which appeared to have an awake visage on the day seen on the faint light of the midnight.
"**Is something wrong, Onee-chan?"
"…
**Hahh… I really thought I will be able to sleep when I'm with you. You see, I've been insomniac for a while."
"**S-Since when…?"
"**I think… three months ago?"
"**That long?! Have you told Mom and Dad?"
"**I haven't, but I sure wanted to earlier on. Yet I kept it to myself. Really, I meant it when I wanted to tell you, but I'm scared of being subjected by other people to judgments.
**Honestly, it is not a good experience. There are some nights where I'm lost in thought or even crying because I can't sleep. It's depressing really, which is why I don't open up to it because I might do something out of my control."
"**Do you know a reason why…?"
"**None that I recall, but suddenly when I go to sleep, I always overthink. No, I can't stop thinking of whatever. And wondering why I can't sleep probably added to it. Really, I don't know how to stop thinking anymore in this case."
"**Have you consulted a doctor yet?"
"**I have… but I don't really want to take medications because I might get dependent on it in the long run.
**I thought that doing something from the past would make me sleep but I don't really know anymore."
"**H-Hey… The weather's just starting to get cold, but at least I'm warm, you know?"
"**What are you saying so suddenly…"
Then Ai snuggled closer to her sister with an embrace reciprocating the one from a few hours.
"**Hahh… It's like we're back to being kids again… What's funny is that you're already 20. Time flies…"
"**Let's try to make you sleep again, okay? I'll sleep here with you from now on."
"**Hmm, yeah… your warmth is pleasant. You have what it takes to be my personal body pillow."
"**Don't make it weird please…"
For five hours, Haru Hikari was able to sleep.
▪ ▪ ▪
A few days later.
"Thanks for the coffee, Ai-san."
"I'm sorry for the sudden invitation when it is your day off, Gin-senpai."
"You know that I basically stay at home all the time. People would think I'm an outdoor person because of how I look but you know how it is."
On that note, a waiter served a plate lemon french toast on Gin's side and a cheesecake on Ai's.
"I can only let you pay for my coffee, alright?"
"Yes…" she let out with a rather disappointed yet expectant smile.
"I invited you today because I have something to consult about my sister."
"Haru-san, huh… Did something happen to her?"
"Apparently. She said so herself that she has been suffering from insomnia for a few months now."
"Oh… Did she say if she hasn't been sleeping at all?"
"Ah, I should have asked her.
That being said, I forgot that your disorder back then was falling asleep."
"Ahaha, I guess you remembered. I don't know if I can help but I think I might know some things. Did she tell you anything more?"
"Umm… do you think that it has something to do with the mind, senpai?"
"Even if there is none, I would still think that there is. I'm not a psychologist but I just like to think that way.
In that case though, I think there is a correlation if I were to look back.
…
Ah, right. You've known for a while that I'm an Exile, correct?"
"Yes, ever since the school trip a few years ago."
"I suppose I can invite you for some tea at my house some time if you're willing to listen fully."
"Jin has always hinted about it but said that it's best if it comes from you personally. But I do want to hear them if you don't mind."
"That's good, or not really since you might get hurt I guess.
Anyway, I also had countless sleepless nights at a young age. I was literally scary back then because of it and some, but one thing I know is that my brain does not have a stop button. I hope that did sound familiar?"
"Yes… Onee-chan mentioned something similar to that."
"Also, G did have the same disorder. I suppose one thing we three have in common is that our case was chronic as you just said that it has been occurring for a few months. In my and G's case, our main cause was stress since we were both depressed but G's case had an underlying disorder or phobia.
Did Haru-san share some things about it?"
"She said something along the lines of not opening up because of being judged."
"I see…
'Why can't I sleep,' is what I'd presume she is asking in her mind repeatedly hours after the trigger at night."
"Are you just hiding that you're an ESP, senpai…?"
"Pff… I like that joke. But no, I'm just talking from experience because I used to throw a fit and crying at nights. It's bizarre and scarily feeling. 'I should be able to sleep but why can't I?' I didn't know the cause on the spot because I was basically naive. Aside from psychological causes, I'd suggest she stop on eating something with a lot of sugar at night if she does. I was sensitive to it because just a little can trigger the disorder for me.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
Also… I'd suggest that she should not rely on medications way too much if she is taking them."
"She was scared that it might have side effects so she's not taking anything."
"It's still up to her. Maybe she had allergic reactions to some.
…
I don't really want to say this but I'll make an exception right now. You see, G did take medications at that time, but for one time he tripped on them."
"…"
"It's a physiological matter. It might depend from person to person. But I just want Haru-san to take caution.
Both of us have experienced social withdrawal, or I should specifically say in a way that you'd easily understand, hikikomori. We had those times. But I'm glad that it sounds like it is not to that extent."
"I-I'm sorry, it felt like it was a lot to take in…"
"I guess…"
"But hearing your side was reassuring, senpai. It's nice that you are…"
In the middle of Ai's passage, Gin immediately noticed entrance of two people inside the cafe as he was facing the door.
"Poker face… poker face…"
It was the sister being talked about… beside his other boss, Sean, both gesturing a sh.
"… doing well even after all that. Did you have some measure to mitigate with it?"
But it seems the girl sitting opposite to her did not notice.
"It varies, and it is never the best solution. I used to isolate myself a lot and in silence while I'm doing regular things. I didn't talk to people, which was unhealthy of me but then the disorder eventually died down. I don't think that would work for her though."
"Yes… I think it won't."
"By the way… did you by chance know that I don't like really sweet foods?"
"Ringo-senpai always talks about you…"
"Hahh… that girl."
"But thank you for the advice, senpai. Do you mind if I relay this to Onee-chan?"
"Oh, please do. I hope it's going to help her even if by a little.
"Let's split the bill, shall we? I'll pay it on the counter."
"Thank you.
Ah, senpai?"
"Hm?"
"I look forward for the tea sometime."
"Ahahaha… honestly, please don't…"
▪ ▪ ▪
A few more days later, in Giotto's.
"Sean-! Lunch."
"Oh, the time. Do you already have food with you, Gin?"
"I did a thing or two on leftovers last night."
"Sounds fun."
…
On the way to the break room, Gin was not able to take away his eyes the moment Sean brought out a box neatly clothed and tied.
"Am I guessing right or am I misunderstanding it."
"The latter… I made this one."
"So, about that time in the cafe? Do you mind?"
"She was just asking me for some advice that time. Well, that sounded like an excuse. We've actually been meeting from time to time for a while now."
"Her insomnia I guess."
"You knew?"
"That's why you two saw me with Ai-san. She was also asking for help."
"Oh…"
"Well? Are you going to date her?"
"I want to ask her out."
"Ahh, good grief. That was insensitive of me."
"I forgot he got dumped in the base… Wait, so that actually happens underground, huh."
"Here, this gyoza turned out great last night."
"Ohh, thanks. Yup, it's great."
"You know, if things work out, you might have Jean as your brother-in-law-i-
I'll stop. It's embarrassing to say it now."
"Sounds like you're talking about yourself and Hiro. Hahaha.
But I'll probably go ahead of Jean."
"…
You've hung out with me so much that you're now also getting full of yourself. Don't pick up my disease more so save yourself."
"Sheesh, I'll keep that in mind."
"How did you two get close anyways?"
"Ahh, when she graduated from college she started working on one of our suppliers. I see her most of the time when I'm out in the field since I see to all the logistics here. Then after that we ended up getting coffee from time to time."
"Ain't that nice~
Honestly when I was just barely a teenager, I always like to think that if somehow I escaped from my traumatic episodes, I'd want to experience romance when I'm an adult, but that did not happen."
"You'll then find out that adults don't have their stuff together."
"I'm in this picture and I don't like it.
But yeah, as a kid I had that impression of sophistication and maturity and it felt like it will work out better than in high school or something. Honestly, it just looked cool in my head."
"Haha, that's so like you."
"Anyway, are the odds good for you?"
"Maybe…? I want to meet her parents but I think I'll do that behind Haru-san's back."
"Lemme guess, you're coming with Jean?"
"Of course. What would they even think if some rando just came to their house and said 'I like your daughter I would like to go out with her'?"
"Well, with Jean it will be like, 'Otō-san this is my boss at work, he's a good guy and I'm sure that you won't have anything to worry for Haru,' that is in the event that Jean has already dropped the honorifics completely."
"How did we end up making this story… Actually, that's kinda a stupid idea, huh…
…
I'll just ask her out and if she reciprocates, I will ask for their permission."
"We almost put ourselves to the wringer with that."
"I guess I'll talk to Jean about it. I'm sure he'll be surprised."
"Really though, you never talked about this kind of thing until now."
"Well that's because you asked me first."
"Ahh…"
"I've been thinking that it might be the time for me to find a partner. That said, the woman I was setting my eyes om rejected me because she really doesn't want me to put to danger as a resurfaced. She wouldn't want that.
But well, I moved on, focused on work again, and got close to Haru-san. Keep this in mind, Gin. The feeling of love is not always dramatic."
"I feel like I'm being lectured."
"Well yes I am lecturing a 22 year-old because he was scarce of socialization that made a big cause and effect."
"That I won't deny."
"Honestly, sometimes realizing your feelings can be underwhelming. You don't really fuss about it like a lovestruck maiden when you get to this age."
"Right. There are times where things have become so normal between me and Rin."
"Like, really, the only thing holding you two back is a ceremony."
"Don't joke like that.
Wait, you'll have to tell her that you're an Exile, then?"
"No way out of it. I would not tell her if I'm not serious."
"Man… you look so cool right now."
"I don't want to hear that from anyone."
"But will you let Chef Yuzu's wedding pass by first? It sure got delayed by a bit."
"If she reciprocates then she gets a free pass on the ceremony you know?"
"Hahh… Alright, alright. You do your thing. I hope it goes well."
"I'll try my best."
"On the flip side though… I'm kind of jealous with the bond of those sisters. Ai loves her sister a lot, huh."
"It really shouldn't be coming from me but I don't think it's too late, Gin."
"Even if you say that… It's not as simple as how it was back then."
▪ ▪ ▪
The plan is not having a plan, is what Sean had decided to do. He had opted to wait for opportunities instead of setting up one. But as he expected, it was not easy to find a time naturally. As to why he chose such a roundabout way instead of a more direct approach, he was scared once more that his effort may go to waste again.
Nonetheless, he had confidence this time.
"Good afternoon, Haru-san."
Just by the entrance of a certain cafe, Haru found the man sitting at a bench with only a phone in his hand.
"E-En-san…?" was what Haru gave Sean as a nickname. "What a coincidence…"
"Actually you briefly mentioned this cafe a few days ago so I thought of stopping by."
"O-Oh… shall we head inside? But… I don't have much right now so we'll have to pay for our own."
"Ahahaha! That's okay, that's okay."
The cafe was a two-floor house which below was renovated to be used for the service. The way it was built and presented brought out a rustic feeling with the addition of mahogany planks that contrasts well with the cream white concrete walls. It was themed rather classical more than modern, making it feel like an entirely different place that can't be seen anywhere but outside the country.
A very big opportunity it may be, Sean let it pass until their time in the shop has ended and has ultimately left together. Yet, it was the time he was looking for. He continued to observe, as they walked together until he has noticed the decrease of people around them.
"I didn't really want to spoil the mood earlier which is why I picked this time but I wanted to tell you the truth about me, Haru-san."
"The truth…?"
"I am actually an Exile."
"…
"W-Wh… En-san? You are…?"
"Yes… I hope that did not put you off…"
"N-Not at all. It just felt amazing that there's actually someone that I personally know is an Exile. I don't hold you against anything, but rather I feel a little bad knowing the many things that happened to all of you."
"Please don't be sad about it. Better yet you don't have to think about it at all. It's not something you have to be troubled especially since this is not the country of your origin.
But besides that… there's a reason why I decided to tell you."
"…?"
"Will you promise that you will not be surprised?"
"I can't promise that."
"Figures.
Sorry if this came out of the blue, but… Is it fine to date you? Uh, well… yeah, I actually do like you."
"Huh?! E-E-E-En-san?!"
Instead of a face of fluster, it was more of shock from the unexpected.
"I didn't know you had feelings for me…"
Sean sheepishly apologized with a chuckle.
"I told you about my identity because I'm serious about it. It's fine if you don't give me a response immediately though."
"Ah-ahhhh…! N-N-No! I'm a bit panicked so I'm stalling but… I'm fine with it! I'd be happy to be with you."
"Really?"
"That being said…" she continued as she shyly fidgets with her pointer fingers, "we'll have to talk about it with my parents first…
I don't want Ai knowing about this for the meantime…"
"Ah, of course. I'm at least prepared for that."
"Should we go right now?"
"Ahh… then I'll bring gifts next time. Ahahaha, I'm just so happy right now, sorry…"
"I was just 19 when I worked part time back at home… It's hard to believe that I'm at this point now."
"Things can always happen in many ways I guess."
"But I look forward to being with you."
"Same here. **Please take care of me from now on."
▪ ▪ ▪
"And that was everything that happened."
"Hahh… I wish Jean is with us tonight.
I'm only doing nons all day but why don't you order oolong hai?"
"Shochu is not going to be good for me so don't talk like you're the one ordering.
But this yakiniku is really good though."
"We don't procure them in the resto but this is wagyu raised here so it's cheaper. I still can't frequent this though, sadly.
Nevermind that, I guess it went quite well."
"I'm glad it did. I don't want it to fall apart so I'll need to be better."
"Honestly, I'm starting to think like that now.
I used to blab about marrying Rin for a while which is serious, but the more I grow I began to think more realistically and practically. Of course you'd want a content life and a good environment for your partner, but it's really not as easy."
"I agree…"
"The next time we talk about this, let's bring Hiro with us. Time for me to ask him some advice."
"You know, Haru-san was talking about how it was back then when we're in Japan. You're not really apart in age with her so you two really have grown. But I don't see Haru-san as a child."
"Still hasn't dropped the honorifics, huh. But why does that sound like you're implying I'm still a kid."
"Nah, you're an adult now if far from being the finest."
"Sure."
"But it feels weird that you were a high school student when we first met and now we're having drinks years later."
"It really is weird…"
▪ ▪ ▪
"**It seems like you've been sleeping well lately, Onee-chan."
"**Really? Did it seem like it?"
"**Rather, it's this late at night already and you're still cheerful."
"**Because you suddenly talked about this."
"**Ehhh… I don't get you, Nee-chan. I should probably just move back to my room."
"**Don't do that… I feel at ease with you being here. I guess I only needed to feel relaxed so that I can sleep well. Thank you really."
**And also, I've not been overthinking a lot of stuff anymore. I learned that it was unconscious and what I needed is to be at ease with something or someone. Lately, I haven't been worrying about many things. It's like throwing out the things that you don't really need, but I'm feeling a lot better now."
"**You do look and sound happy indeed… Did Onee-chan finally find a boyfriend?"
"**Is that a joke?"
"**Supposed to be, but I'm more curious."
"**Yep, I did."
"**Hehhhh… Congratulations!"
"**Honestly, it came out of the blue. I never knew that he had feelings for me. Our interactions are mostly very casual so for him to suddenly ask me out, it was a surprise but I was weirdly happy. It was comfortable being with him, I guess."
"**That's a cute thing for you to say, Nee-chan."
"**What's so cute about that? Ahahaha. But don't worry about me. En-kun is a good man."
"**En-san…?"
"**Ah, Hickory-san, I mean."
"**What?! Your boyfriend is Jin's boss?!
**But well, he was also our employer back then… but that's a surprise!"
"**He was joking about how similar it was for Katsuto-san and Sakato-san, knowing that you're dating with Jin-kun."
"**So I'll finally have an older brother…"
"**Hold your horses, little sister. It hasn't even been a week."
"**I know, I know. But I'm really happy for you."
"**Ehehe… thanks."
"**Then let's talk about things until we fall asleep. We don't really do that but I just wanted to try it at least once."
"**You've never done that with friends in high school?"
"**They sleep so fast…"
"**What quirky friends. Well, I'm all ears. But I think I'll be able to fall asleep easier with your voice."
"**Then we're basically telling each other stories!"
"**Hahahaha… You're totally right."