August 30th: Free at Last

For the first time I wake up in the morning, I look up the window, I feel like everything inside me is released from my distressed—but now free soul. Nothing is bothering me again. I'm sorry, Konnor, but I had to tell them. It was hurting me, I'm not capable of handling this such secret. Dad was so happy hear this information. As time comes ahead, I must step ahead this newly refresh feeling that I missed so much. Time live for it.

The request I asked from Dad and Henry is done. The only thing left to do; is to give it. I fetch the remaining cleaned clothes I have for today: a black t-shirt of my father's cruise line's eight-pointed star logo, dark-blue pants and a soccer white-and-blue jersey jacket. It's the old jacket I've worn from my soccer club back in high school, it doesn't bother me wearing it in this hot climate. I just leave it unzipped. While I put my shoes on, the door knocks. I shouted to come in. Toshi entered in with a breakfast tray.

"Morning, Kelly." Toshi greeted as he places the tray on the table. "Breakfast's served."

"Good morning, Toshi-san." I greeted back. "Thanks for the breakfast."

"Just doing my job." He said. "Oh, and, Kouya called me, he's coming over, so, wait for him, will you?"

"Sure, that was so sudden." I said. "Hey, Toshi-san… Did you really called Kouya to come over here?" I asked.

Toshi's pointy hears reacted when I asked him. He turned around to me with an unaffected reaction on his face and said, "I… I have no excuse for that action."

"How come?"

"I know that you two are in a deep relationship, so, when I heard you shouting in anger I don't know what's coming after that. So, I called Kouya for your assistance. I just wanted to keep everything in order." Toshi replied. "Did that help out?"

"Pretty much, but yeah." I said. "You just made him meet my parents instead." I smiled.

"Ah, I see." He said. "Well, I should get going. I'll see you at guest party tonight." The husky was about to leave but...

"Toshi-san, before you go, wait for a sec." I stand up from the bed and rummage through my satchel, I picked up an envelope. And walk back to Toshi. "Here…" I gave him. I keep forgetting that he's not wearing any white gloves on his hands, those are his natural furred hands while the rest of him is dark-gray. Toshi holds it and looks at it, he was about to… "Not here, Toshi-san, you know what it is."

Toshi's face is unpredictable, like surprised, awestruck, and disbelieved. He didn't reacted just yet. "Kelly…" He softly said. "Than… Thank you…"

"You're welcome." I smiled.

"Kelly-kun, I… don't usually do this at work, but…" The husky steward stepped in and hugs me. "Thank you very much." He softly said to me. "I… I'll never forget you, Kelly!" He cried, literally, sobbing of happiness. I laughed of happiness.

Toshi parts from the hug and wipes his tears as he said, "Um, would you excuse me?" I nodded. He exited the room, taking the envelope. He opens the door and Kouya appears as already about to reach the door knob, "Oh! Hey, Kouya. I was just about to leave." He leaves and disappears from our sights.

Kouya enters the room. "Morning, Kelly."

"Morning, Kouya. I though you have work today." I said.

"Keisuke is covering for me." Kouya said. "Say, what's with Toshi? I just saw him with the biggest smile than Keisuke could ever grin."

"Oh, he's really happy that I gave him a tip for being a good steward to me." I answered.

"Really? That was nice of you."

"I did it because his father needs a spine surgery, so…"

"Wait, you knew about Miyazaki-san's condition?"

"Mm-hmm, so yesterday, I talked to my dad and uncle about it and they helped me out."

"I see… So… How… How much did you gave him?"

"I'm sure is enough to pay the surgery for Miyazaki-san." I said. "Now that I did this, does that mean Toshi will be quitting as a steward?"

"I don't think so, Toshi has enjoyed working here so far." Kouya assured. "He's must be running all the way to his house." Kouya smiled. "So, what you're gonna do today, other than the guest party tonight?

"I don't know, I thought of strolling around the town one last time."

"That sounds good, I was just thinking about that." He said.

After eating breakfast, Kouya and I started for a stroll around the village together. The scenery was so unique in its own way. Nothing that much has changed for the last 31 days since I got here. Just me and my life. We walked by the river, the sunflower fields, the district, the park, the shrine, and finally, the lake. The water is clean and crystal clear from any harm. The two of us sit and relax together and enjoy the panoramic view of the village above, just like last time when we picnic together, a slight cool breeze can be felt here. Kouya and I could tell that fall is coming. Ending the summer season soon.

-Meanwhile in Kazenari-

"Are we all ready?" Dad asked everyone in the lobby.

"Yeah!" All of us replied.

"Okay, let's go! We'll arrive at the village at noon." Dad in a hurry said. "Sylvia, Ashton, you both have the satellite phone?"

"Check!" Ashton and I replied. Actually, Ashton has it. "But you know, Kelly has a satellite phone with him, too." Ashton said.

"Sure, but just in case." Dad said. We all exited from the hotel building and boarded inside Samantha's minivan, buckled up and go. "Did we get any calls from Kelly?" Dad kept asking.

"No, I called the hotel staff and they said he's not present at this time, and make sure to call him later." Samantha responded.

"Sylvia and I tried to use the satellite phone, but no response." Ashton said.

"It doesn't matter now, alright? Okay, everyone! We better get to Kelly!" Dad cried.

"You know, I'm the one who should be driving since this is my car." Samantha said.

"I don't care if this is a women's car, let's go!" Dad accelerates and follows the road to the village. We're all so anxious now after that unexpected call from last night.

-Back at Minasato-

Kouya and I walk back to the shrine, it looks splendid under its own glory. Walking and admiring its Japanese architecture-style. It's so impressive to see such a traditional place. For a tourist like me, it's so photo-worthy like the rest of the village. As it was time for us to go back, I'm sort of expecting my family coming over again for the guest party tonight. A thought came to mind from yesterday and started to think about it. It was so life-changing.

"Kouya?"

"Yes?"

"About yesterday, after Henry told me his true motives of making me staying here, I've been thinking what would happen if… he didn't told me to stay here but look out for me much earlier?" I said.

"Well… That one would be easy... You just normally leave the village…"

"Saying thanks to all of you after staying here for a few days and depart." I exhaled, "I guess, I wouldn't get a chance to get to know you better, just friends and all."

"Well, that didn't happened, did it?" Kouya stated, "But, you should realize something?"

"And what is that?"

"Close your eyes and take a look back at everything what you did the whole month." Kouya said.

I did what he said: closed my eyes and clear my mind and think about all what I did this summer…

I met everyone on the first day, even Kouya, at the restaurant. I shared and talked about myself. Despite my whole ordeal of the accident, Kouya helped cheered me up. I showed them my homemade vacation video. We went to the beach, I played soccer with Soutarou and Kyouji, Shun and I and his friends played videos games along, we sang at the karaoke restaurant, and we went camping for a night. Kouya shown me his bandmates and his music. A friend of mine called me and confessed his feeling to my sister. Kouya cheered up my heart after he sang a solo at the mall, it was so overwhelming. Then the same day, Kouya and I assisted Torahiko's birthday, then, he asked me out to the Bon Festival. That night at the festival, I'll never forget our first kiss. We went picnic together, and we went to the nightclub party with his bandmates. And so as other recent events that I had never expected to occur…

I smiled and blushed. I guess… This wasn't a bad thing at all about staying here… I'm not stranded here and I know that. All of this was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I opened my eyes at Kouya, waiting for an answer.

"So?" Kouya asked as he smiles.

I kept on smiling, "There's no doubts, Kouya. All that matters now is…" I caressed his left cheek with my right near-healed hand. "…I'm glad that I met you."

"Don't let that thought get your way, okay?" He stated.

"Yeah, you're right. It was just only a thought." I said. "Hey, let's go to Raimon, I'm starving."

"Sure. Uh, Kelly, one more thing." Kouya said.

"What is it?"

Kouya rummages through his pockets with his hands, and pulls it out, it was kind of small. "Here, a present." He gives it to me.

"For me?" I blushed, "Aw, Kouya, you shouldn't have." Kouya also blushed. I opened the small box and see what's inside… Oh, it's a… "A dog-tag." I said. "Wait, it says…"

"'We are forever with.'" Kouya said it.

"Wow, thank you, Kouya!" I hugged him. "This is really nice of you."

"I'm glad you've like it, Kelly." Kouya said, he hugs back. "No matter where we are, we're always be together."

"Yeah, we'll always be…" I kissed Kouya for his thankful gift. My heart is feeling amazing for this moment as it pounds inside me. Kouya rest his both hands on my cheeks so the kiss can last longer, it's so sweet and surprisingly warm. I feel like the wind is keeping us cooled as we feel our bodies getting warmer. That was a long relaxing lip contact that I ever had. It fitted so well every bit of the ambience.

"I love you…" Said Kouya.

"I love you, too…" I replied him.

…

It's noon, the sun is now at its zenith. Our shadows are nothing but a dot underneath us. Kouya took me for lunch at Raimon restaurant. Enjoying each other's company. Afterwards, Kouya takes me back to the inn, and later, we will gather up at the evening for the party. We bumped with Torahiko earlier and told us that Hiroyuki is coming on his way here for tonight. That was great to hear, Sylvia will get to meet the two people who saved me. As Kouya and I arrive at the inn, I saw Aunt Samantha's minivan parked outside.

"They're here?" I said. "I was expecting a little later."

"I guess they couldn't wait, eh?" Kouya grinned.

As we get inside the lobby, there they were. "What do mean he's not here!?" I hear Dad shouting at the adult tiger-man.

"I saw him leaving, sir. He usually don't stay too much in his room." Ooshima-san responded.

"This is urgent! Tell us where he could be?" Ashley said.

"Well, he's right behind you." Ooshima-san saw us already.

The seven heads turned to me. "Kelly!" They shouted.

"Are Americans really that desperate?" Muttered Ooshima-san.

The seven family members are talking at once at me with Kouya, so many English blabbering about.

"HEY! WHAT'S GOING ON!?" I shouted. They shut their mouths off. They knew that talking in pandemonium wouldn't do well. I breathed in and out and repeat, "What's going on, family?"

Dad came forward, "Kelly, there's someone who wants to talk with you." Dad holds a satellite phone and dials the numbers.

"Kelly, what's going on?" Kouya in Japanese asked.

"I don't know, but Dad wants me to talk with someone." I said. Everyone were smiling at me and they looked anxious. Mom and Samantha are in tears. Really, what's going on?

"Come on, come on…" Dad mutters. A moment later, "Hello! Konnor!?"

"Konnor?" I softly spoken under my breath.

A small talk conversation passes and Dad said, "Yeah, he's right now here with me. Do you want to talk with him?" Dad smiles at me. He hands the phone to me, I'm just holding my breath now. What is this? Why I'm feeling suspenseful?

I placed the advance device on my right side of my face, "Hello? This is Kelly." I said.

"Hi, Kelly, it's me—Konnor." A deep western voice said.

My face is priceless. "Konnor, is that really you?" I faintly said.

"Yeah, alive and well. It's so good hear your voice again, Kelly." Konnor cheery said.

"Is this for real?" I asked everyone in front of me. They all nodded or replied with a yes. "Konnor, where are you now, are you still in San Francisco?"

"No, I'm in Seattle, waiting for all of you. Where are you, guys, 'cause Dad didn't told me yet?"

"We're all in Japan, Konnor, you know, the land of the rising sun." I'm tear jerking right now.

"You guys are in Japan? What the hell is going on?" That's the Konnor I know and love.

"It's a long story, Konnor…"

"Kelly, are you crying?"

"Yes, Konnor, I miss you!"

"I miss you too, Kelly. It's been a long time since we saw each other." Konnor said. "I'm now home, waiting for all of you to come back. And, Kelly, I'm so sorry for keeping this as a secret from Mom and Dad, and everyone you love. I already know that you told Dad about everything, alright?" He said as Mom and Dad comforts me.

"You don't hate me for that, right?"

"No, Kelly, everything is now over. I'm now back home in Seattle, we should be happy for it."

I collapsed to my knees as I cry of joy and Dad embraces me. Mom picks up the phone and continues the conversation. I have never thought that everything will turned out so better than expected!

"Kelly, what's happening?" Kouya asked.

I parted from Dad, wiped my tears off and replied to him, "My Onii-chan is back!" I cried.

…

Enjoying my greatest relief I have ever had in a long time, which it felt two times better. I continue to talk with Konnor on the phone for a little longer more, we haven't spoken to each other since we last met. I'm so happy that he's back home safe and sound. Afterwards at evening, the Ooshima Inn is filled with guests at the outside patio, the decorations are ready, the food is ready, and the music is ready to play. My whole family is present, plus me. Sylvia is wearing her the kimono I gave her, she really looks beautiful.

Toshi taps a glass cup with a spoon he's holding and gathers everyone's attention to him. Confident looking with a yukata uniform as a steward, the young husky speaks, "Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention?" He announced out loud. "I would like to say welcome and thank y'all for coming. This month's been quite a tough one for everyone who were involved in an intense ordeal on early August. But, thanks to locals who helped out the needed, Minasato has stayed strong. And so, after everything what had happened, the Ooshima staffs decided to give a treat to our guests to feel like home as possible and I'm only saying this, because we have some guests who have stayed here quite a long period of time after the incident. I hope all of you have an excuse for the husbands and wives of why they didn't come back home after work." Everyone chuckled and laughed. "I'm not kidding…" Toshi grins, now everybody laughed. "Okay, that's enough for jokes. But anyways, enjoy the evening, cheers!" Everyone raised their cups responded back, "Cheers!"

Now that Toshi mentioned it, I guess I wasn't the only one who stayed in this village for a whole month. I remembered that cheetah guy, that rabbit woman, that arctic fox guy, and that black jaguar woman. They were onboard that day. They have probably known me as the only injured victim.

Everyone that I know in this village has gathered along too. Hiroyuki came right on time along with his parents. Speaking of parents, Kouya's parents are also here too. So as his bandmates. It took me awhile to introduce almost everyone to my parents, especially Kouya's parents since this could be their chance to meet. I have finally introduced my two heroes to my sister: Torahiko and Hiroyuki. It wasn't easy to translate back and forth.

Huh, what's going on over there? Henry accidentally bumped into Tappei.

"Oh, sorry. There's too many people here." Henry said in Japanese.

"Don't mind about it, sir…" The tall green dragon-man pauses and leans his head to one side as he takes a look on Henry. "Say, didn't I seen you before?" He scratches his head.

I think I know where this is going. Henry backs up by one step, but he said, "I don't think so… Oh! You're the carpenter, right?"

"Hm? Oh! I remembered, we drank together at the restaurant a long time ago!"

"Hey, Uncle, I see you met Tappei Midoriya." I stepped in. "He's the one who's in charged of the statute."

"Oh, yeah, and how is it?" Henry asked Tappei.

"It's all wrapped up and ready to go, so, how and where we can deliver it?" Tappei said.

"Um, let's do it tomorrow morning at the Ooshima Inn, how about it?" I said.

"That's enough for me to know." Tappei heartily said. "Hey, mister, care to join me a drink?" Tappei offered Henry.

"Uh, sure, why not?" Henry joined along the dragon-man with Tatsuki and other fellow adults.

I then heard Mom calling me, so I went to where she is, sitting next to a table. I sat along with her since I been on foot for a while. I need some rest. "What is it, Mom?"

"Kelly, just so you know, I'm glad you're back to your old self." She said.

"Did I really changed while being here? I can see that."

"You're even more happier now, because you just met a really nice boy out there." She said as we both glance at Kouya chatting with his friends. "What's his name again? I didn't get it."

"Is Kouya."

"Ah, I'm not used to Japanese names, yet."

"You'll get along soon."

"Hmm, and Kelly, one more thing."

"What?"

"After this, when we come back to Tokyo, your father told me we're going back to Seattle to see Konnor."

"Really, all of us, even Samantha, Henry, Ashton and Ashley?" She nodded. "But what about my college registration?"

"I'm sure your father will take care of it. Can you please focus on one thing? This is about Konnor."

"Yeah, I understand…" I sighed and glance at Kouya from a short distance, chatting with his father and mother, they seem happy.

"Kelly, do you want to stay in Japan?" Mom asked.

"Huh!"

"Kelly, I think you found what you wanted: to move on after everything, right?"

"But… Yeah… But not so soon…"

"I know, but Kendrick, please, look what you did: you can handle things by yourself. You're an example of self-reliance."

"Mom…"

"Follow your heart, Kelly. Don't let it go out of your hands." She stated. "You'll get in touch with him soon enough, I'm sure. And one more thing, don't let anyone judge your long-distance relationship. I'm sure you two can make it."

"…Mom, thank you…" I slowly smiled, and Mom smiled back.

Then I saw Kouya coming to our table, "Kelly, enjoying the party?"

"Yeah, I'm having fun tonight." I replied him.

"Kelly, can you tell your mother to dance with me?" A slow song was playing and everyone gathers at the center.

"I guess so." I said, "Hey, Mom. Kouya wants to dance with you."

"What?" Mom confused, but, Kouya already holds her hand.

"Come on, Mom, he's just being polite." I grinned.

"Oh, my." Mom giggled. Kouya takes her to crowd of slow dancers. And now, I don't have no one to dance with.

"Come on, Kelly, don't be by yourself tonight, come on let's dance!" Sylvia rushed in and takes me along.

"Alright." I grinned as I stand up and hand over her hand. We both dance at the wooden floor of the patio and everyone are enjoying it tonight. Ashton and Ashley followed along together.

"Ashton, do you think I'll find the one?"

"I'm sure all those experiences you've been through will earn you a lesson in the future."

"In other words?"

"I'm sure you'll find one."

I saw Dad slow dancing with Samantha, he didn't mind that Mom is slow dancing with Kouya. I think Dad decided to take over since Henry isn't around.

"Ronald, where's Henry?" Said Samantha as she's with Dad.

"He's right over there with the dragon-man." Dad pointed out.

I take a look where dad pointed, I see Henry has taken 10 bottles. "I really needed this, it's been a while since I've had a sake!" Said a drunken Henry.

"Heh heh heh, I've never seen a human drinking that much." Tappei drunkenly said.

"He'll be fine, Samantha, he's a little drunk tonight." Dad stated.

"Oh, by the way, this is how he loss his rank." Samantha suddenly revealed. "Don't worry, Ronald, I'll help his addiction. Let's continue dancing."

Continuing our dance, I noticed Sylvia's concerned face. "Sylvia, is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, I'm just thinking about when we get back home." She said.

"What do you have in mind?"

"It's about Max, I think he has a crush on me." She said.

"Really?" Max called me a few weeks back and confessed his feelings that day. Did he called her or is it just Sylvia being aware of it before Max could have called me? I decided to play along, "How can you tell?"

"Before Mom and Dad left for Tokyo, Max gave Mom a present for me. Max gave me a gift-bag with a tiger stuffed animal, exotic chocolate, a cheap perfume and a little poem written by him." Sylvia explained. Wow, Max, it took you a lot of guts...

"So, do you like him?" I asked.

"I don't know, but I've been thinking about him lately."

"Can… Can you give him a chance?"

"Hmm, I guess going out with Max wouldn't hurt, would it? I'll try and see."

"That's the spirit." I'll take it as a yes.

…

Later, I got a chance to slow dance with Kouya after dancing with Sylvia. The guest party went smoothly tonight. Time went on as the gatherers leaved, leaving a few remaining. It was time for my family to go back at their hotel as I'll stay here for one more night. It was nice to meet the Aotsukis for my parents, they got along so well, despite that my mom couldn't speak their language, but Dad managed to cover for her. Outside the entrance, my family are preparing to leave.

"Have a goodnight, Kelly. Sleep well." Dad said.

"Goodnight, Dad." I said and hugged him. "Have a save trip."

"I'm driving, thank you." Samantha took the car keys from Dad and seats on the driver seat. She turns on the engines. "We'd better refuel tomorrow for our long return trip." She added.

"Ashton, did found your father?" Mom asked. Henry went a little woozy around the party.

"I got him! Come on, Dad! Get up!" Ashton holds Henry as he drags him. Henry is mumbling drunkenly. We helped him to get in and ends up sleeping on Ashley's and Sylvia's lap. His snoring really shows his passed out condition.

"There we go, all done." Mom said and turns to me. "Goodnight, Kelly. We'll pick you up tomorrow morning." She said as she boards.

"Alright, Mom, have a save ride." I cried.

Kouya and I waved at the minivan as it slowly moves through the darkened road and disappears from sight. Walking back at the inn with Kouya with his arm around my shoulders, I could finally get some time alone with him. Once inside, I closed the door. I rest my back against the door, letting out a big sight of relief. Kouya is standing there at me in the middle of the room.

"Kelly, are you all right?" Kouya asked.

"Kouya, I… Is over… I can't believe is over, Kouya!" I cried and approach Kouya for a tight hug. He froze for a short moment, but he quickly wraps his strong furry arms around my back. "I'm so happy." I whispered.

"Are you feeling more better after that unexpected call, huh, Kelly?" Kouya said. I nodded against his furry cheek.

"Yeah, but this means that I'll be coming back to Seattle." Said as I let go from the hug. But holding his both hands.

"I see… You want to see your brother again, right?"

"Yeah, that's right."

"So, is your brother really important in your life? I was kinda afraid to ask this…"

"Don't be, but yeah, he is." We both sat together at the edge of bed. "He, umm, when Dad wasn't around, he always was there for me and Sylvia. He also helped me to come out to my parents, I'll never forget that." I said as Kouya rest his arm around my shoulders again. "And you, Kouya, you kinda remind me of him…"

"Really?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Well, not much, but, you've been so caring, helpful..."

"Oh, stop it, you're embarrassing me." Kouya blushes and looks away.

"Well, that's how I see you." I said. "I admire you, Kouya." I hold his hand with my right. He looks back at me, I lie my head on his left shoulder. He holds warmly my hand gently, rubbing with his thumb. I slowly move my face closer and gently peck his left furry cheek. "I'm gonna miss you." I whispered him.

"I'm gonna miss you, too." He whispered back. "But, this doesn't mean that we're never going to see each other again, ever." He said as he draws his fingers under my chin to look at him. Those amazing yellow eyes of his are somehow glowing and staring me with no signs of threat. Just a look of assurances.

"I know…" I replied. The moonlight shimmers the windows in this half-dark room. My eyes were reflecting it, they must be sparkling. "We will see each other soon…" Almost finishing that sentence as Kouya slowly darted his face to me, I closed my eyes as he kisses me. Oh, my love…