Shirayuki Yuutaka

Five years later.

Hoshino's POV.

"Mommy! Mommy!"

A small voice called out excitedly, and I turned just in time to catch Yuutaka as he ran towards me, his arms outstretched.

Scooping him up, I held him close, stroking his soft hair. "Yuu-chan was a good boy today, hmm?" I asked, smiling.

He nodded enthusiastically, his bright eyes sparkling with pride.

"Shirayuki-san, you're picking him up early today?" came the familiar voice of Asami-san, the nursery director.

"Yes," I replied, adjusting Yuutaka's hat to shield him from the blazing summer sun. "Today is the anniversary of my parents' death. I wanted to take Yuutaka to visit their graves."

Asami-san nodded understandingly before retreating inside.

I carried Yuutaka down the quiet street, the warmth of the summer sun pressing down on us. This summer marked his fifth birthday, the same number of years I'd been in Izu. I couldn't help but marvel at how much had changed.

Giving birth to Yuutaka had been the most painful yet fulfilling experience of my life. It taught me what it truly meant to be a parent, and I'd been overwhelmed with gratitude for my neighbours, who never judged me for being a man who had given birth. Instead, they supported us with kindness and encouragement.

Yuutaka had grown into a healthy, independent little boy, and I was endlessly proud of him. He never cried when I left him at the nursery and greeted me every day with boundless energy. I worked at a small advertising company in Izu, and while it wasn't glamorous, it was enough to support the two of us. My life revolved around Yuutaka, and I couldn't have been happier. I finally had the family I had always dreamed of, and I was determined to protect him from anything or anyone.

Still, I couldn't help but notice that Yuutaka didn't look anything like me. His features were distinct—sharp, yet soft in a way that made him seem older than his years. Sometimes I found myself wondering if he resembled his father, the man whose face I couldn't remember. But I quickly brushed the thought aside. Yuutaka had no father. I was his only parent, and that was all that mattered.

I had promised Maki I would return to Tokyo, but deep down, I knew I wouldn't keep that promise. I hadn't contacted her or Matsuyama in years. The life I had built in Izu with Yuutaka was simple but happy. Recently, I'd seen a news segment about the cake shop on TV. Maki had kept the name, and it had grown into something extraordinary. I wasn't surprised—she'd always been capable of achieving great things.

At the cemetery, I set Yuutaka down gently and pulled out a bouquet of flowers from my bag. Kneeling, I poured fresh water over my parents' graves, the sunlight glinting off the polished stone. Yuutaka folded his small hands together and closed his eyes in prayer, just as I had taught him.

"Grandpa and Grandma, rest in peace, okay? Yuu-chan will take care of Mum," he said, looking up at me with a smile before wrapping his little arms around me.

It was something he said every time we came here, and every time, it filled me with a bittersweet pride. My son was growing up to be such a kind, brave soul.

I kissed the top of his head. "Thank you, Yuu-chan. Let's go."

As I lifted him into my arms, a strange sound echoed behind us—thump.

I froze, scanning the area quickly. The cemetery was quiet, the air heavy and still. For the past few weeks, I'd had the unsettling feeling that someone was watching us. It only happened when we were alone. While I was at work, the sensation disappeared, but now it crept over me again, prickling my skin.

Yuutaka tugged at my shirt, snapping me out of my thoughts. I held him close and walked away from the graves, the unease lingering like a shadow.

Whatever it was, it would have to wait. For now, I had Yuutaka, and that was all I needed.

***

Yuutaka was happily munching on his afternoon snack while I busied myself in the kitchen, preparing dinner. I'd made his favourite—chocolate vanilla cake with chilli powder. It was a flavour that always reminded me of someone, though I quickly pushed the thought away. Yuutaka could easily finish a small tray by himself, his appetite seemingly endless, yet somehow he never gained a single ounce of fat.

"Stop snacking, Yuu-chan. Dinner will be ready soon," I said over my shoulder.

Obedient as ever, he wrapped the remaining cake neatly and placed it to his left. "Clever boy," I praised, ruffling his hair.

Grinning, Yuutaka dashed into the kitchen and fetched two bowls and a pair of chopsticks from the cupboard. He carefully set the table where he'd been eating earlier. Watching him, I couldn't help but smile. Stroking his hair again, I playfully pinched his cheeks. He giggled, unbothered by my affection.

I'd made sure to teach Yuutaka how to take care of himself, to respect his elders, and to apologise when he was in the wrong. He always listened and took everything to heart, which filled me with pride. He was my little boy, and I couldn't have been prouder.

With dinner ready, I brought over bowls of rice and plates of his favourite side dishes. As I set them down, I noticed Yuutaka playing with toy cars he'd pulled from his bag. I frowned slightly—when had I bought him toy cars? I didn't recall doing so.

Ding... dong...

The doorbell rang, breaking my train of thought. Glancing at Yuutaka, I rose to see who it was. Peeking through the peephole, I was startled.

"Chief Takihara?" I opened the door immediately.

"Good evening, Hoshino. May I come in?" he asked, his voice as calm and steady as always.

"Of course, please." I stepped aside, inviting him into the flat and leading him to the dining room.

"Yuutaka, say hello," I prompted. Yuutaka jumped up, greeting Chief Takihara with a bright smile before wrapping his small arms around him in a hug.

Takihara Mamoru was my boss at the advertising company where I worked. He'd been the first person to invite me to join his team despite my lack of experience, and he'd patiently helped me learn the ropes. Over time, he'd become close to both me and Yuutaka. Yuutaka adored him, especially because Takihara-san always took time to play with him or bring small treats.

I suspected Takihara-san might harbour feelings for me, but I chose to ignore it. My focus was solely on Yuutaka—he was all I needed.

"Sorry for interrupting your meal," Takihara-san said, sitting across from me with Yuutaka still clinging to him.

"Would you like to join us, Takihara-san?" I offered politely.

"If Yuutaka doesn't mind," he replied, turning to my son, who eagerly nodded.

"Uncle Takihara, why don't you just eat here every day?" Yuutaka asked innocently, causing Takihara-san to chuckle.

"Yuu-chan..." I began, trying to steer the conversation.

"Your mum would get angry if Uncle came here every day," Takihara-san teased, tapping Yuutaka's nose playfully. He glanced at me, and I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

"No, Uncle! Right, Mum?" Yuutaka turned to me, his eyes wide with hope.

"Uncle Takihara is busy with work, Yuu-chan. Now, eat your rice," I said gently, handing him his bowl.

Yuutaka pouted briefly but obeyed, digging into his food with gusto.

"You rejected me quite decisively there, Hoshino," Takihara-san murmured, his tone light but carrying a hint of something deeper.

Caught off guard, I hesitated before replying quietly, "I have no intention of getting close to anyone, Chief. Yuutaka is enough for me."

Takihara-san nodded slightly, his expression unreadable.

For a moment, silence hung in the air, but it wasn't uncomfortable. As I watched Yuutaka happily eat, I felt reassured in my decision. My life was complete as it was, and nothing could change that.

"Remember, Yuu-chan, don't be a naughty boy. Be good for Ms Asami, hm?" I said softly, kneeling to kiss Yuutaka's forehead and hugging him tightly.

Yuutaka hugged me back, his little arms wrapping around my neck as he nodded earnestly.

"I'll pick him up at lunchtime," I assured Ms Asami, giving her a polite nod before taking Yuutaka inside.

I waved as he disappeared through the nursery door, his small figure vanishing into the bright hallway.

Once he was out of sight, I hurried off towards my office, which wasn't far from the nursery. My thoughts drifted back to last night and Chief Takihara. Guilt gnawed at me. He'd been so understanding, but I knew I'd hurt him. I hadn't meant to be harsh, but I couldn't let things progress between us.

No matter how kind or patient Takihara-san was, I couldn't forget that night at the hotel five years ago—the night with the mysterious man. Even though his face was a blur, that night was pivotal for me. It had brought Yuutaka into my life, and for that, I would always be grateful. But it was also a reminder of how vulnerable I'd been and how much I had to lose.

It wasn't that I wanted to find Yuutaka's father. I didn't. But that experience had made me wary, and I couldn't bear the thought of opening myself up like that again.

Of course, Takihara-san was different. He made me happy, but my feelings for him didn't go beyond admiration. It wouldn't be fair to lead him on, so I'd rather reject him outright. Yuutaka didn't need a father; he had me. I'd raised him alone, and no one could take that role from me.

"Hoshino, are you all right?"

The sound of Takihara-san's voice startled me out of my thoughts. I looked up to find him standing by my desk, concern etched on his face.

"I'm sorry, Chief," I stammered, fumbling with the files in front of me. "I'll get to work right away."

He gave me a small, understanding smile, but his gaze lingered, as if he could see through my façade. I quickly turned my attention to the paperwork, focusing on the task at hand.

As I worked, I couldn't shake the feeling that things between us wouldn't be resolved so easily.

***

***

Author's POV.

Lunchtime arrived, and Hoshino wasted no time rushing to the daycare centre to pick up Yuutaka and share a meal together.

"Excuse me, I'm here to pick up Yuutaka!" Hoshino called out as he entered the nursery, his voice tinged with excitement.

Usually, Yuutaka would come running the moment Hoshino walked in, throwing his little arms around him. But today, there was no sign of him. Hoshino's gaze swept the room, searching every corner. A cold chill ran down his spine.

"Shirayuki-san? You're here," one of the nursery school teachers greeted, walking towards him.

Hoshino spun around, his heart pounding. "Where is my son? Where's Yuutaka?" he demanded, his voice edged with panic. Grabbing the young woman's shoulders, he pressed again, louder this time, "I told you I'd pick him up for lunch! Where is Yuutaka?"

The teacher flinched at the intensity of his voice, her face pale. "Em... just now, someone came to collect Yuutaka. They said they were your relative," she stammered, her eyes darting nervously.

Hoshino's shoulders slumped, his grip loosening on the woman. His stomach twisted as dread coursed through him. "Who?" he asked, his voice trembling. "Who took my child?"

The teacher quickly moved to the reception desk, flipping through the sign-out log. Her finger stopped on a name, and she looked up hesitantly.

"Ogata Yuusuke-san."

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