Chapter 33 : little hearts

Chapter — “Little Hearts”Souta had been scrolling through Mr Sano's phone when the rumors popped up.Ren and Ayase… dating?His stomach twisted.Haru has a girlfriend and Ayase was dating someone...an actor.He ran. Out of the apartment. Out of the building. Out into the quiet streets.His legs carried him as fast as they could. His chest burned, and his thoughts were a whirlwind.What about me? Will I be alone?He didn’t notice Kenta, his friend, chasing after him.“Souta! Wait!” Kenta called, small but determined.Souta didn’t stop. Tears pricked his eyes.“I… I don’t want to be alone!” he yelled, voice cracking.Kenta finally caught up, grabbing Souta’s hand.“Souta! Look at me!”Souta froze, sniffling, eyes wide.

Kenta was there with a young woman and his father. Probably the person who was taking care of his dad when his mom wasn't around.

“I… I don’t want everyone to be busy with… and leave me… alone…”Kenta tilted his head, trying to be serious despite being half Souta’s size.“You won’t be alone. Ever.”Souta sniffled, staring at Kenta.“But… what if… what if they forget me?”Kenta’s small hands gripped his tightly.“Nope. That will never happen. You’re Souta! You’re loud, you’re silly, and you’re our champion. Everyone loves you.”Souta blinked, voice shaky.“Really?”“Really.” Kenta nodded, his serious little face unwavering.“You’re not alone. I promise.”Souta let out a shaky laugh, the tension in his little body easing.“Thanks, Kenta… I… I feel better now.”Kenta grinned.“Good. Masami is making dinner, wanna eat with us ?”Souta giggled, holding Kenta’s hand as they walked together. ~First Haru now Souta.Toma called her and told her that Souta was at his place.Her heart dropped.She thought something happened.Then everything turned dark.She passed out.Stress and lack of sleep.Kana is the one who found her and called the ambulance.~When she woke up the doctor was clear, no work for 3 weeks.She could no longer take care of the eclipse project until the launch When she opened the door the next day, she found Mio and Haru doing homework in the living room. Souta was curled up on the couch, arms wrapped around his knees, little face buried in his arms. He didn’t look up.“Souta…” Ayase whispered, her voice trembling slightly.The ten-year-old peeked up at her, eyes wide and red from crying.“I… I thought… I’d be alone,” he murmured.Mio quickly left the apartment.Ayase’s heart clenched. She crossed the room in a few hurried steps and knelt beside him, gathering him into her arms.“You’re never alone, Souta. Never. I’m here. Always,” she said softly, holding him tight.Souta buried his face in her shoulder, trembling.“I was… scared,” he whispered.“I know, sweetie,” Ayase replied, stroking his hair gently.“I know.”Ren stood by the doorway, watching silently. His lips were pressed into a firm line, he stepped back slightly, letting Ayase have the moment, his voice low and controlled when he spoke.“Take care Ayase.”Ayase’s arms didn’t loosen.“Take care Ren.”Ren’s eyes flickered toward her, he nodded once, professionally.The apartment was quiet, cold even, but warm in the middle where Ayase held Souta.Souta’s small hands clutched her sweater.“I… I’m okay now,” he whispered.Ayase pressed her cheek to his hair, closing her eyes for just a moment.“Yes… you’re okay,” she murmured.“if you love Ren it's ok, but if he hurts you, I'll send my tiger to bite him.” he said angrily.“Alright" she chuckled.End of chapter 33