Chapter 8- A Silent Cry

The door creaked open.

Koji stepped in first, letting out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

“I’m home,” he called out, a little too loud, his voice echoing in the narrow hallway.

Behind him, Kenji hovered at the doorstep, placing his hands in his pocket. “Why are you yelling?” he muttered under his breath, eyes darting nervously around the unfamiliar space.

From the kitchen, a voice replied.“You’re finally back? What took you so long—were you out shopping all day?”

Koji’s mom peeked her head out, her eyes landing on Kenji. Her tone shifted instantly, teasing and sharp. “And who’s this? Where’s Hana?”

Koji slipped off his shoes and offered a casual shrug. “She went home. This is Kenji. He came over for dinner.”

The woman paused, her gaze softening as she stepped closer.“Oh! So this is the boy you never shut up about.”

She smiled warmly, clasping her hands together. “How are you, sweetheart?”

Kenji, caught off guard, gave an awkward half-bow. “I—I’m fine. Thank you for having me here, ma’am.”

Koji’s mom turned, raising her voice again. “Koji! Don’t just stand there like a stone statue—go freshen up and get ready for your guest!”

Then, looking back at Kenji with an inviting nod, “Come, come. Make yourself comfortable in the living room.”

As Kenji stepped inside, he heard the sharp buzz of a ringtone from the kitchen.

Koji’s mom answered quickly.“Yes, boss. I’ll take leave for the Fire Festival, don’t worry.”

A pause. “Yes, I’ll work tonight. No problem, sir. Thank you.”

The sound faded as Kenji wandered into the living room. A faint scent of incense hung in the air.

His eyes settled on a framed photo on the shelf—a sick looking man, kind-faced, captured mid-smile. Beneath it, a small incense holder still smoldered softly, its thin plume curling toward the ceiling.

Kenji stood still.

Koji’s mom appeared behind him a moment later, noticing where his gaze had landed. Her mouth opened slightly as if to explain, but before she could speak, Kenji raised a hand.

“You don’t have to say it,” he said quietly. “I understand.”

His voice was low. “I’m sorry... for how I treated Koji. I didn’t know. But—I still acted like that.”

His fingers curled into fists. “I should’ve known better.”

There was a long silence.

Koji’s mother tilted her head, puzzled. “Why are you apologizing? I should be the one saying sorry—for making you put up with my son’s shenanigans all these years.”

Kenji blinked, caught off guard. He let out a small, breathless laugh.The incense continued to burn.

Kenji opened his mouth to speak—to confess, maybe, to finally say what had been rotting inside his chest for years.

But before a single word escaped, Koji stepped into the room, wiping his hands on a towel.“I set everything up,” he said casually, as if nothing was off.

His mom turned toward him with a smile. “Thank you, honey.” Then to Kenji, clapping her hands gently, “Come on, Kenji. Let’s eat.”

The dining table was small—only three bowls of rice, a plate of fried fish, and a pot of miso soup sat waiting. No fancy garnish, no second servings. But for Koji, it might as well have been a feast.

After all, there were nights he made dinner out of vending machine snacks. Nights where he didn't eat at all.

Koji’s mom sat down and exhaled. “Sorry we couldn’t make anything special tonight. We didn’t know we’d be having a guest.”

She gave Kenji a warm smile. “Next time, I’ll cook something grand for you.”

Kenji, already chewing slowly, shook his head. “No… this is more than enough. I haven’t had this much in a long time.”

Koji glanced at him, chopsticks pausing in mid-air.

His mother, too, tilted her head slightly at the comment—but she didn’t press. Instead, she chuckled.“Well, don’t sweat it. You’re welcome here anytime, Kenji.”

She leaned back, eyes crinkling with a soft pride. “You’re like a second son to me, you know. This one never shuts up about you. It’s always Kenji this, Kenji that. Best friend forever, huh?”

“Mom—” Koji groaned, face flushing as he dropped his chopsticks. “Cut it out.”

Kenji stared at his bowl. The steam rose quietly between them.

A sick feeling twisted in his chest. He thought about all the things he’d said. The way he mocked Koji in front of others. The times he stayed silent when it counted. How he pushed him away, over and over—just to protect his own brokenness.

He hadn’t realized he was hurting someone who had so little left.He didn’t want to admit that his pain made him cruel. That he used it as a shield—and a weapon.

The words caught in his throat.

I’m sorry.

But they didn’t come out.

Just as the last bit of rice disappeared from Koji’s bowl, his mom stood up, brushing her hands on her apron. She froze halfway, then snapped her fingers.“Ah! I forgot—I have a night shift tonight.”

She turned to Koji. “That means you’ll be alone tonight, sweetheart.”Koji leaned back, sighing. “That’s fine.”

But his mom grinned, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “Aww… are you scared to sleep alone without Mommy?”

Koji’s expression twisted. “No! I’m not a kid—stop it.”

“Oh come on.” She tapped her chin theatrically. “Actually… I just got the perfect idea.”

She turned toward Kenji. “Why don’t you boys have a sleepover?”Koji blinked. “Huh?”

“Don’t ‘huh’ me,” she said, wagging a finger. “We both know you hate sleeping alone. So hang out with your best friend tonight, right buddy?”“But Kenji—” Koji said with a bit of worry in his face.

“Let’s hear from him,” she interrupted, looking at Kenji. “What do you think, Kenji?”

Both their eyes landed on him.

Kenji didn’t move. His expression was blank, unreadable. For a second, he just looked at Koji—then at the empty bowls on the table.

Koji could tell from his face: Kenji wanted to say no.

But instead, he nodded. “Sure… I’ll stay ma'am.”

Then added quickly, “I just need to call home. Let them know.”Koji’s mom clapped her hands. “Sweet. Then go take a bath and get to bed early. The Fire Festival’s the day after tomorrow, remember? Don’t want to look like ghosts in your photos.”

She paused mid-stride, glancing back over her shoulder. “Did you get your outfits with Hana?”

Kenji stiffened slightly. “Hana?”

Koji gave him a faint smile. “Yeah. She and I bought ours at the mall.”Their mother nodded. “Good. And you, Kenji? Got your kimono ready?”Kenji took a second before replying. “…Yeah. I’ve got one.”

“Perfect. Well then—goodnight, boys!” She picked up her bag, gave a two-fingered salute, and slipped out the door with a final smile.

The house fell into silence.

Only the soft hum of the ceiling fan remained.

Koji stood and began clearing the plates, not saying much.

Kenji sat still for a moment longer, fingers lightly brushing the rim of his empty bowl.

As the front door clicked shut, Koji stood still for a moment. Then, without looking at Kenji, he muttered, “You can leave if you want.”

Kenji glanced at him.

“I know you only said yes because you didn’t want to make my mom feel bad.”

Kenji scoffed. “That’s no way to talk to a guest.”

He turned away, walking toward the bathroom. “Anyway, go get the bath ready. I’m tired.”

Later, after they both bathed and changed into sleepwear, the room dimmed into silence. They lay side by side on the floor, blankets pulled up to their chests, eyes wide open as they stared at the ceiling.

Neither of them could sleep.

The silence pressed heavy between them until Kenji broke it.“…I thought you stopped talking to Hana.”

His voice was low, unreadable. “That girl’s weird.”

Koji blinked slowly. “…Yeah. She is a bit weird.”

A pause. “But… she’s just misunderstood.”

Kenji’s voice sharpened. “I told you. She’s manipulative. That’s why no one talks to her. She only shows when it benefits her. She’s using you, Koji.

 Don’t you get that?”

Koji sat up slightly, eyes narrowing. “Then what about you, Kenji?”

Kenji froze.

Koji’s voice cracked, louder now. “What did you do, then?”

Kenji turned his head, his jaw tight.

“I wasn’t using you,” he said stiffly. “I just needed help.”

“Then you should’ve asked,” Koji shot back. “Instead of beating me up and just taking it.”

Kenji sat up, his voice rising. “You used to be scared to even open your mouth. And now you’ve suddenly grown a spine? Just because you’ve been with her for a few days?”

“I’m not brave,” Koji said. “I’m just… tired. Tired of pretending like you didn’t do anything wrong. Like you’re the only person who’s allowed to suffer.”

Kenji’s face twisted. His body tensed as he lunged forward, pinning Koji to the futon.

“You think this is suffering?” he growled. One hand drew back, trembling, ready to strike.

Koji braced himself, arms covering his face.

But the punch never came.

Only silence.

Then suddenly, Koji punched him. They both started fighting. Even though they act mature- wise above their years- in that moment, they were still kids, lost in confusion and emotion, lashing out the only way they knew.

Kenji finally pinned Koji down and as he was gonna punch him again this time he stopped suddenly and then—tears.

Koji peeked up to see them falling—drop by drop—onto his cheek.

Kenji’s buried his face in his hands, shoulders trembling. Each breath came shallow and ragged.

“Why…?” he whispered. “Why do you get everything? And I have to fight just to wake up every day…”

His voice cracked, raw and wounded.

“I just wanted a normal life. Someone to care. Why did she have to come into our lives? That bitch ruined everything…”

He backed away, stumbling to his feet. Koji slowly sat up, chest heaving.Kenji collapsed beside him, burying his face into his hands.

“I was jealous... every time I saw you, I thought we were the same. But you had what I didn't a caring mother. That love. That warmth. That's why I lashed out."

Kenji’s eyes filled again.“That’s why I lashed out… I hated that you had what I never did—love, safety, warmth.”

He started to cry.

Koji sat there, frozen, guilt pressing into his lungs.

He reached out… then hesitated.

But eventually, his hand found Kenji’s shoulder.

A gentle touch. Quiet, but grounding.

Kenji didn’t say anything. He just cried.

And for once, neither of them pulled away.

Koji gently laid his hand on Kenji’s shoulder.

The room fell into a quiet stillness—one of those rare, fragile silences where neither needed to say anything. The warmth of the gesture lingered a moment longer than it should have, before Koji slowly pulled his hand back.“…You said that meal was the best you’ve had in a long time,” Koji finally asked, voice soft. “Why?”

Kenji didn’t answer right away.

“I know you took money from me,” Koji continued. “But… it wasn’t out of jealousy, was it? You needed it. For what?”

Kenji sighed. His shoulders slumped as though a weight he’d been carrying for years finally cracked.“…I guess you deserve to know. After all the stuff I put you through.”

He looked down, eyes hollow.“My mom died in a car accident six years ago. She was the kindest person I ever met. She raised me along with my dad. Took care of everything. I was like you... scared of being alone. I never talked to anyone—not even my dad. My only friend was my mother.”

Kenji hesitated. His next words came out slower.“After her death… I stopped eating. Skipped school. Just... shut down,"

 Kenji whispered, his fingers drumming nervously.Koji brow furrowed. “Your dad—what did he do?”

"He... thought a new mother would help. So he married a shady woman."He looked up at the ceiling, disgust flashing behind his eyes.

“But after a while, the mask slipped. One day, she called the police on my dad. Said he was using substance. I knew he’d never touch that stuff. I begged them not to take him that he is innocent. But who’d listen to a kid over an adult?”

Koji’s eyes widened. His lips parted, but he stayed silent.“They didn’t find anything in his blood so they let him go. He was about to come back home… but then she made up more crap. Accused him of abuse this time. Got him locked away again. The property? It all went to her. She spends everything on other men and buys luxury item for herself. And she tells everyone she’s the one taking care of me. She doesn’t even care for me—she's waiting for me to starve since because I'm a hindrance.”

Kenji let out a hollow laugh.“That’s why I took money from you. Those few coins you gave me? That was dinner.”

Koji stared at him, stunned.“…So that’s why,” he whispered. “But… Kenji. You could’ve just asked me.”

“I told you before why I didn’t do that.” Kenji muttered.

Koji looked away.“…I get it. But why is she like that? Why do all this?”

“She is a gold digger. She’s just draining the money. Once there’s nothing left, she’ll vanish. Find some other guy. But I know one thing—she’ll never let my dad out, not as long as she’s around.”

Silence again.“You could’ve told me all this sooner,” Koji said gently. “From now on… just come here for dinner.”

Kenji frowned. “Tch. This is what I hate about you. That stupid goody-two-shoes act. Always with the noble crap.”

Koji smiled, weakly. “You have the right to hate me. I hate myself too.”Kenji blinked.

“I was jealous of you,” Koji continued. “You always stood up for yourself. I… always needed someone to speak for me. But after being with Hana your so called manipulator I realized something. Even if we think we’re strong—there are times we need help.”

He looked directly at Kenji.“This isn’t a request anymore. I want you to come here for dinner. That’s final. Please don’t argue.”

Kenji stared for a moment. Then scoffed.“…You have grown more talkative than before.” But for the first time in years, he smiled.

The sun had risen.

Koji’s mother stepped into the apartment with her bag in hand, yawning. But as she entered, her eyes widened.

Kenji sat on the floor, bruised and sore. Koji, too, looked battered.“What happened here?” she asked.

“Pillow fight,” Koji said, trying not to show the bruises behind his arms.“This hard?” she raised an eyebrow.

“We... got carried away,” Kenji added with a deadpan face.

**BACK IN THE PRESENT**

Years later, sunlight streamed into the same room where they had once fought and cried.

Older Kenji and Koji sat in the same room, sunlight painting the floor between them.“…That’s what I meant,” Kenji said quietly. “You're too soft sometimes. Even for people who don't deserve it, from now on don't give money to people you just meet in two days even if they are in trouble not everyone is innocent.”

Koji looked at him.“Really? That whole story just to guilt-trip me?” he asked.

Kenji smacked him lightly on the head. “Shut up.”

They laughed, lightly, as if it all hadn’t hurt so much.

Kenji leaned back, exhaling. “Thanks, man. You and your mom… you took care of me for a long time. If only I’d been there when she had her heart attack…”

Koji shook his head. “It’s not your fault. I wasn’t there either.”

Their eyes met, full of gratitude—for the pain, the growth, the time they survived.“…Let’s go,” Koji finally said, standing up.

“Yeah,” Kenji replied. “Tomorrow we’re going out with Yumi, right?”They walked toward the door.

A framed photo sat near the altar: Koji’s mother and father, smiling. A stick of incense slowly burned beside them.