"The Handshake That Never Came

Kaito at Home – Trying to Return to the Future

[Kaito, thinking while washing the dishes]

Alright… Misaki's problem is solved.

But after what happened—and me tearing up those pictures—I doubt she'll talk to me again.

The real problem now is... I need to return to the future. And without shaking hands with Misaki, I can't do that. I have to find a way.

[His sister, Mizuhara]

I always said you were crazy, but seeing your face now? I'm finally sure of it.

[Kaito]

Huh? Did you say something? I didn't hear you—I was deep in thought.

[Mizuhara]

My crazy brother… thinking? What could make his face look like that?

[Kaito]

It's nothing. I'm just thinking about the future.

[Mizuhara]

If you're thinking about the future, don't worry—it's already doomed. Nothing's waiting for you. It's completely empty.

[Kaito]

Thanks… very encouraging. Now leave me alone.

[Mizuhara]

If it's not the future, then are you planning to study abroad or something?

[Kaito]

None of that. I… did something to my friend, and now I want to make it right. But I don't know how.

[Mizuhara]

What happened between you two?

[Kaito (deep sigh)]

...

[Mizuhara]

Kaito, I have something to say: Good luck and goodbye. I have zero experience with stuff like this. Deal with your little love drama yourself.

[Kaito (yelling)]

First of all—she's not my girlfriend! Second—don't just run away! Help me! Agh, what am I supposed to do?!

---

[At School]

[Kaito (thinking)]

Okay, I need to calm down. Maybe she'll act like nothing happened. Maybe…

[Rin (calling out)]

Kaito! Oi, Kaito!

[Kaito]

Oh—Rin! Hi Rin… and… Misaki…

[Rin (glancing at Misaki)]

Why are you looking all dazed like that?

[Misaki]

Because he forgot to charge his brain before coming to school.

[Rin]

No, Kaito's brain runs on solar energy—but since his system's outdated, it charges really slowly.

[Kaito]

I'm so done with this daily bullying...

[Kaito (in his mind)]

Wait… we're talking normally? Does this mean Misaki forgave me? Can I finally return to the future?

[Rin]

What's with that creepy smile on your face, Kaito?

[Kaito]

Huh? Oh, that! Just laughing at how you two always describe me.

Come on, give me a high five, Rin!

[Rin]

Huh? Uh… yay?

[Kaito]

And now your turn, Misaki—yay!

[Misaki]

Cut the nonsense already. Let's go—we're going to be late.

[Kaito (thinking)]

I acted like a complete fool just to get a handshake… Just shake my hand, Misaki… Let this be over already. I want to go back. My friends must be worried…

---

[In the Classroom]

[Kaito]

Guys, I'm heading out to get a drink. Anyone want something?

[Rin and Park]

Yeah, grab us something too!

[Kaito]

Got it.

---

[At the vending machine]

[Kaito]

Huh—Misaki?

[Misaki]

Kaito. Good, I was looking for you. I need to talk to you.

[Kaito]

That's great—I also wanted to talk to you about…

[Misaki (interrupting)]

Listen. What happened two days ago—about me saying not to talk to me anymore—keep that secret from Rin.

When we're around her, we talk like normal.

When she's not around, don't talk to me. Got it?

[Kaito]

Why are you saying that…? Do you hate me that much?

[Misaki]

It's not that I hate you.

But I can't forgive you for tearing up those photos. Not ever.

[Kaito]

Clinging to the past… only stops you from moving forward.

[Misaki]

I am moving forward. I don't look back.

But the pain… it's like chains on my ankles. It slows me down. I admit it.

Still, I carry it with me.

So from now on… we don't know each other.

[Kaito]

Then let's shake on it. Consider it a deal.

[Misaki]

What's with your obsession with handshakes today?

Whatever. Goodbye.

[Kaito (thinking)]

It's sad… that Misaki and I won't talk anymore.

But at least this time, she won't cry.

And best of all—tonight, I'll return to the future.

I want to jump with joy—but I'm still in school…

---

[Back in Class]

[Kaito]

Here you go, guys!

[Park]

Thanks! But… why are you so happy?

[Kaito]

No reason! Should I be sad to seem "normal"?

[Rin]

Your smile… it's the smile of a professional pervert. Am I right, Park?

[Park]

Direct hit to the forehead!

[Kaito]

I'll let it slide today… Hey Rin, want to walk home together?

[Rin]

Why?

[Kaito]

No reason… I just want to walk with you today.

[Park]

And what about me?! You're leaving me behind?!

[Kaito]

Yes.

[Park]

Traitor!

[Kaito]

Just for today. You're still my best friend, you know.

[Park]

Traitor with sweet words… fine.

[Rin]

I'll talk to Misaki and invite her too. Her place is close to mine anyway.

[Kaito (thinking)]

I didn't want that… I just wanted to say goodbye to Misaki before going back to the future…

---

[After School]

[Kaito waits for Rin and Misaki]

[Rin]

Sorry for the wait. Misaki was talking to the teacher.

[Kaito]

No problem. Shall we go?

[Rin]

Let's go.

[Misaki]

Why did you want to walk with us today, Kaito?

[Kaito]

I wanted to ask you something… about the man who's coming in two weeks.

[Rin (nervously)]

W-Why are you asking that now?!

[Kaito]

No reason. I was just curious…

[Rin]

You'll find out soon enough. Until then—it's none of your business.

[Kaito]

Aah…

[Misaki]

You like embarrassing yourself, huh?

[Kaito]

None of your business!

[Misaki]

Same to you!

[Rin (smacking them)]

None of your business either! Stop fighting over nonsense!

[Both]

Okay…

[Rin]

We're heading this way. See you tomorrow!

[Kaito]

Alright. Later.

[Misaki & Rin]

See you!

[Kaito (thinking)]

Rin… see you later.

I wanted to see you one last time before going back.

I'll miss you.

[At Home – That Evening]

[Mizuhara]

You're finally back.

[Kaito]

Yeah, I'm home.

[Mizuhara]

Why were you so late?

[Kaito]

Ah… sorry. My friends were with the teacher for a while.

[Mizuhara]

Did something happen?

[Kaito]

No, nothing serious. Just a talk about career paths or something.

[Mizuhara]

Okay… here, take this.

[Kaito]

Tickets?

[Mizuhara]

Yep! The new amusement park—"Train Park"—opened yesterday in our town.

[Kaito]

Where did you get these? Or… who gave them to you?

[Mizuhara]

You did, remember?

Weren't you looking for a way to make up with your friend?

This is the perfect opportunity—and they're free because of the grand opening!

[Kaito]

Free? These must be expensive…

[Mizuhara]

Idiot. Who would buy expensive tickets to a park that just opened? They're giving them away!

[Kaito]

So… today is the park's first day?

[Mizuhara]

Yes, finally your brain is working.

[Kaito (quietly, with sadness)]

Too bad I won't be able to go…

[Mizuhara]

Why not?

[Kaito]

Because… uhh… because I made up with Misaki! Haha!

[Mizuhara]

That's too bad then. Give me the tickets.

[Kaito]

No… I might still use them with my friends sometime.

[Mizuhara]

The day after tomorrow is the last day. If you don't use them, hand them over!

[Kaito]

Alright…

---

[At Night – Kaito Prepares for Bed]

[Kaito (thinking)]

It's a shame to waste these tickets…

But I have to go back… There are exams and so many things waiting for me.

Still, I wanted to go with Rin…

Too bad.

---

[Next Morning]

[Mizuhara]

You're still in the bathroom? You'll be late!

[Kaito (brushing his teeth, thinking)]

I woke up today, and… I'm still here. I didn't return to the future.

I checked the mirror—nothing changed.

It feels like the world is against me…

When I want to enter, I can't. When I want to leave, I'm stuck.

All because… Misaki and I aren't on good terms.

I can't return without her permission.

[Mizuhara]

Do I have to drag you out myself?

[Kaito]

Coming!

I still can't believe it… Why did I have to tear up those pictures…?

Now I'm suffering for it.

---

[At Breakfast]

[Mizuhara]

So, what are you going to do with the tickets?

[Kaito]

I'll use them tomorrow.

[Mizuhara]

Admit it—you didn't make up with her.

[Kaito]

I did!

And I'll go with my friends!

[Mizuhara]

Alright then. Good luck.

[Kaito]

Hey… Mizuhara, how many people can use this ticket?

[Mizuhara]

There's no limit.

They just want as many people as possible. It doesn't matter who holds the ticket.

[Kaito (smiling)]

I see...

[Mizuhara]

Why are you smiling like that?

[Kaito]

Why's that look on your face?

---

[At School]

[Kaito]

Rin, Park!

Wanna go to the amusement park with me?

[Park]

You mean the new one?

[Rin]

You've got tickets?

[Kaito]

Yup. What do you think?

[Park]

Count me in!

[Rin]

Absolutely—I'm coming too!

[Kaito]

Good. Now there's only Misaki left… So… who's going to invite her?

[Rin and Park (both look at Kaito)]

[Kaito]

Ugh… fine, no escaping this.

---

[Lunch Break – In the Cafeteria]

[Rin (calling out)]

Misaki! Over here!

[Misaki sits down with them]

[Rin]

Do you have plans for tomorrow?

[Misaki]

Not much. Why?

[Kaito]

We were wondering… Would you like to join us at the amusement park tomorrow?

[Kaito (thinking)]

This is the best plan.

She said she'd only talk to me when Rin's around… Well, Rin is here.

So what now, Misaki?

[Misaki]

Which amusement park?

[Kaito]

Train Park.

[Misaki (smiling)]

Then… wait till the day after tomorrow.

[Rin]

Why?

[Kaito (nervous)]

Yeah… why?

[Misaki (grinning)]

I'm kidding. I'll make time for it tomorrow.

[Kaito]

Great! Then we're all going together!

---

[After the Break]

[Misaki]

I know you planned all of this.

[Kaito (thinking)]

Clever… You did all this just to see who would invite you.

[Kaito]

Yeah… I did. I wanted us all to be together again… even if we're not okay.

[Misaki]

I'm not mad at you…

But I still can't forgive you for tearing those photos.

I told you—I'll need time. So don't push it.

[Kaito (thinking)]

I don't have time… but you're the only way I can go back.

[Kaito]

I'll wait… but I think we should all go together—for Rin's sake.

[Misaki]

You're right.

[Kaito]

So it's settled?

[Misaki]

Fine.

[Kaito]

Alright then. See you.

---

[Kaito Heading Home]

[Kaito (thinking)]

Everything's set. Rin, Misaki, and Park will come.

I'll try to fix things with Misaki… then return to the future.

Rin… I'll keep my promise to you.

But I wish it was in the future…

---

[Flashback – Kaito and Rin, Before Her Death]

[Kaito]

Did you enjoy today, Rin?

[Rin (stretching her arms)]

Yeah, it was nice. But something's missing to complete the day.

[Kaito]

Then… what's our next plan?

[Rin]

Huh? You're that excited?

[Kaito]

Of course! I get to go on a date with you!

[Rin]

You're embarrassing me… Fine. Let's go to the amusement park next time. Sounds good?

[Kaito]

Perfect. Let's go!

[Rin]

Yeah! Let's go!

---

[Back to Present – Kaito's Thoughts]

[Kaito]

Rin… I'll keep my promise to you.

_________&&&_

To all fans of "Trapped Between Two Worlds",
I know I’ve been away for a while, and I truly appreciate your patience. I admit I haven’t been consistent, but that’s about to change. From now on, I’ll be uploading three chapters per week!

If you love the story and want it to continue, please show your support by leaving a comment and liking this chapter.
I’m really sorry for the delay, and thank you for sticking with me! 🙏

_________