Chapter 21 : from spotlight to home

Toma sat by the window, watching Kenta chase sunlight across the living room floor. The small, quiet house felt warm and lived-in—the scent of freshly baked bread lingering from Mikito’s earlier baking attempt.

He smiled softly, remembering another life.

Once, he had walked on giant stages, lights flashing, cameras following every move. The cheers of thousands of fans, the applause that echoed through arenas—it had been exhilarating. He had been an idol, he had been Toma Sakurai. He had acted in dramas. He had lived for the spotlight.

But that life ended abruptly, the way a song fades after the final note. A fan too obsessed, an accident—just a moment—and suddenly, the cameras didn’t matter, the applause didn’t matter.

He had almost lost himself in that silence.

Then there was Mikito Nijima.

A woman full of quiet strength, patience, and kindness. She had been there before they were married, before the accident changed everything. She had stayed, gently, without fanfare. She had helped him stand again, piece by piece.

And now, sitting here, watching their son laugh as he tumbled across the living room, Toma realized something. Fame had been fleeting, but this—this family, this home—was permanent.

He wheeled himself closer to Mikito, who was arranging cups for tea. “I need advice” he said softly, “its been three years since the accident, my old colleagues are still trying to contact me, I don't know if... you know I used to live in front of cameras. People watched every move I made..”

Mikito looked up, smiling. “And now?”

“Now,” he said, “I live in front of my favorite audience.” He gestured toward Kenta, who was now holding a stray toy as a microphone. “And the best co-star I could ever ask for.”

Mikito laughed, a quiet sound that made the room feel lighter. “So you swapped the spotlight for domestic chaos?”

Takumi grinned. “Exactly. Chaos with pancakes, spilled juice, tiny explorers… and a woman who doesn’t run away when life gets messy.”

Mikito placed her hand over his. “I wouldn’t want it any other way, if you wanna talk to your old friends, do it”

He squeezed her hand gently. “After everything, the accident… I realized I didn’t need the applause. I didn’t need to perform. I just needed this.”

“Toma...” she started.

“forget it” he laughed, his eyes were darker than usual .

Mikito looked sadly at him thinking about how she could never ease his pain.

End of chapter 21