Episode 6, Family matters

FIVE YEARS LATER

The sun shone brightly on a clear day as the Fujimoto family traveled down the highway. Inside the family car, the atmosphere was a blend of lively banter and the occasional argument. Aiko and Riku were engaged in their usual sibling squabble in the backseat, their voices rising in playful disagreement over a video game they were playing on a handheld console.

Takumi sat quietly in the backseat with them, his gaze fixed out the window. The rolling scenery of the countryside passed by in a blur, and he seemed lost in his thoughts.

Mr. Fujimoto, glancing at his children through the rearview mirror, sighed in exasperation. “Takumi, could you please try to calm your siblings down?” he asked, his tone pleading.

Takumi turned his head slightly, barely breaking his focus on the passing landscape. “Hey, Riku, Aiko, can you two stop arguing?” he said with a hint of frustration.

Aiko and Riku exchanged glances but didn’t immediately cease their bickering. Takumi returned to his quiet observation of the world outside the window.

As the car continued along the road, Mr. Fujimoto and Mrs. Fujimoto discussed plans for the upcoming highschool enrollment. They had been considering options for their children’s future, weighing various institutions that could offer them the best opportunities.

Suddenly, Takumi’s eyes were drawn to a colorful poster on the side of the road. It advertised a new school specializing in martial arts training, featuring bold letters and dynamic images of students in action. His interest piqued, Takumi’s focus shifted abruptly from the window.

“Mom, Dad,” he said suddenly, his voice filled with enthusiasm, “there’s a school right there that trains in martial arts. I want to enroll there.”

Mrs. Fujimoto glanced at the poster, her brow furrowing with concern. “Takumi, we weren’t planning on that. We’ve been looking at highschools and other schools that are more traditional and verified.”

Mr. Fujimoto nodded in agreement. “The school doesn’t seem to be well-established or accredited. I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

Takumi’s expression grew determined, his eyes locked onto the poster. “But I really want to go there. It’s something I’ve been interested in for a long time.”

"It's a no, Takumi," Mrs Fujimoto said.

"But-"

When it became clear that Takumi was not going to back down, Mr. Fujimoto’s frustration bubbled over. His voice, usually calm and measured, took on a sharper edge. “Takumi, stop it. We’ve made our decision about highschool, and this is not the time for changes.”

The sudden shift in tone caught Takumi off guard. He felt a pang of hurt and frustration but quickly subdued it. “I’m sorry,” he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. He turned back to the window, his shoulders slumping slightly as he stared out at the passing scenery.

The atmosphere in the car became tense, the earlier excitement replaced by a quiet, strained silence. The family continued their journey, the conversation about Takumi’s request having left an uncomfortable stillness in its wake.

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