Date Makoto sat in his small apartment, engrossed in a game on his PC. The intense sound effects and dazzling graphics provided an escape from the realities of his life. But just as he was about to achieve victory, a knock on the door disrupted his concentration.
Curious as to who could be calling on him at this late hour, Date paused his game and made his way to the door. As he opened it, he was pleasantly surprised to find his Aunt Klara and Uncle Arvid standing on his doorstep.
"Aunt Klara, Uncle Arvid! What a pleasant surprise!" Date exclaimed, stepping aside to let them in.
His aunt smiled warmly at him. "We were in the neighborhood and thought we'd drop by to see how you're doing, Date."
Gesturing to the cozy living room, Date invited them to take a seat. As they settled down, he could sense the concern in their eyes.
"How have you been, Date?" Uncle Arvid asked gently.
A hint of sadness crossed Date's face before he answered. "To be honest, I've been struggling. I've been betrayed by my friends and even my girlfriend. I joined the army, only to be captured. But now, I've built my own gaming company, and I'm attending a reunion soon, where I'll have to face my ex-friends and ex-girlfriend once again."
Aunt Klara reached out and took his hand. "Oh, Date. I had no idea you've been through so much. It's understandable why you're feeling this way."
Uncle Arvid nodded in agreement. "Sometimes, facing our past demons is the only way to find the answers we seek. It might be difficult, but it can also be incredibly liberating."
Date sighed deeply, contemplating his uncle's words. He had spent so long avoiding the pain and disappointment of his past, but perhaps it was time to confront it head-on.
"I guess you're right," Date admitted. "Avoiding my past hasn't brought me any peace. Maybe attending this reunion will finally give me some closure."
Aunt Klara smiled warmly at him. "We believe in you, Date. No matter what happened in the past, you've shown just how strong and resilient you are. Face your fears and let go of the pain that's been holding you back.
Uncle Arvid placed a reassuring hand on Date's shoulder. "Remember, even in your darkest moments, you were able to build something amazing with your gaming company. Just imagine what you can accomplish when you confront your past and find healing."
Feeling encouraged by his aunt and uncle's support, Date made a firm decision. "You're right. I'll go to that reunion, face my ex-friends and ex-girlfriend, and find the closure I've been seeking."
Aunt Klara squeezed Date's hand. "We're proud of you, Date. Remember, you're not alone in this journey. We'll always be here for you, no matter what."
With renewed determination, Date Makoto realized that his past did not define him. Armed with the love and support of his family, he was ready to face his past, confront his demons, and embrace a brighter future.
As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the quiet suburban street, Date emerged from his relative's house, a heavy feeling settling in his chest. He paused for a moment, glancing back at the neatly trimmed lawn and the warm glow of the porch light before continuing down the road towards the cemetery.
The air was cool and still, the only sound the distant hum of traffic as Date walked, lost in his thoughts. In his hand, he held a single white lily, its delicate petals trembling in the breeze. It felt like a talisman of sorts, a fragile link between the world of the living and the realm of the dead.
As he reached the wrought-iron gates of the cemetery, Date took a deep breath and pushed them open, the hinges creaking softly in protest. The gravel path wound its way through the neatly manicured grounds, past rows of weathered headstones and ancient oak trees that whispered secrets to the wind.
Parking his car in the shade of a gnarled oak, Date walked with purpose towards the spot where his family lay. The grave was marked by a simple stone adorned with fading flowers and a small brass plaque that bore their names. He knelt down, placing the lily gently on the ground before them.
"Hey, guys," Date began, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's been a while." And so, he began to recount his life to them, starting from the days of his high school adventures, the whirlwind of college life, and the decision that changed everything - joining the army.
He spoke of the heartbreak that shattered him, the betrayal of a girlfriend who had torn his world apart with a single act of cruelty. Date's words poured out, a torrent of regrets and missed opportunities, of moments lost and never regained.
But amidst the darkness, there was light. Date shared his journey to becoming a successful game developer, the long hours spent coding and creating, the thrill of seeing his visions come to life on the screen. And then, he spoke of love.
He told them of the love of his life, of the joy and laughter they shared, the quiet moments of contentment and the storms they weathered together. And he shared too the pain of their recent breakup, the sorrow that still lingered in his heart.
Through tears and laughter, Date spoke of joining the army, of the challenges he faced and the strength he found within himself. He spoke of the person he had become, forged in the crucible of loss and love, shaped by the trials of life.
And as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold, Date stood before his family's grave, his heart heavy but full. He bid them a final farewell, his voice thick with emotion, before turning and walking away, leaving behind the ghosts of the past and carrying with him the lessons of a life well lived.
Next three days later, as Date Makoto was working the new project of the game where many people may relate this project once he released it, a sudden ringtone rang at his desk. Date picks it up to see who is talking to him.
"Hello? Who is this?" Date asked, curious about this random person calling him. For a moment, he heard a familiar voice that instantly recognize.
"Is this Date Makoto am speaking with?" asked the unknown voice, causing Date felt something off about this person who was speaking with. Yet, he heard that cause him stunned for what he was about to hear.
" Well, well if isn't Date Makoto. A man who survived the '8 Hellish Years' of his life and came back to the living after college" said the unknown voice, this realized Date for who he was talking to.
"Aiden? Aiden Mizuki ,Is that you?!" Date asked excitedly as he felt a nostalgia feeling, knowing that his best friend from high school to college is alive and well.
"Yes, the one and only, how are you doing old friend?" asked the man named Aiden from the other phone, Makoto smiled as the memories flashing before his eyes.
"I-i-I am f-fine, Aiden you sly bastard" Makoto laugh causing Aiden chuckles on the phone. He misses his old friends, trying to find them and reconnecting the bonds he left 15 years ago.
"Makoto, you know there's a reunion occurring on our old high school, I was thinking about to give you an invitation to join yet I realize that it was a hell place to you. I understand that you never gonna atten-" Aiden was caught off as Makoto said something that will change the life of him, knowing that it is time to face his very own demons once and for all.
"I'll attend the reunion, just this once..." this earned Aiden gasped from the call as Makoto was now ready to face his past.
"Are you sure, I know that you-" he was caught off again by Makoto whose now adamant to go. Sensing the conviction in his voice, Makoto heard his old friend's a long heavy breath erupted through the call.
"I know, thank you for your concern old friend. Besides, they will see me once and never to be seen again" Makoto said as he packs my stuff before going home, as he began to walk down the hallway.
"Agreed, hey Makoto"
"Yeah?"
"It's nice to see you again, it's been 15 years since your disappearance."
"I know Aiden, it's nice to see you again, I better go. See you around".
"likewise,".
They hang up the call and look at my hand that has a mark of love, slowly flickering and so slow to disappear, Date saw the cracks on each corner of the mark. Indicating that his heart and life were intertwined with each other, one breaks other falls,
Date releases a heavy sigh from his lips, not knowing what to do if the mark was slowly breaking. He has no idea what to do after that, he leaned backwards to his chair. Pull out his phone and play some music as he turns around the table, facing the window overseeing the beautiful view before him.
"I guess I have to make the most of it" he once again take a deep breath as he slowly closed his eyes, to ease his trouble mind and heart before facing into the unknown.
*3 weeks later*
3 days before the day of reunion has come, Date stood in the midst of the bustling shopping mall, glancing through racks of clothes that held the promise of a revived appearance for his upcoming reunion. As he analyzed the colors and styles, the familiar scent of fresh fabric filled the air, but his mind was clouded with memories he hoped to leave behind.
The neon lights of the shops flickered against the twilight sky, casting an inviting glow that clashed with the knots of anxiety twisting in his stomach. He picked out a crisp, white button-up shirt, letting its fabric glide through his fingers as he analyzed it. Was it too formal? Too casual? He didn't want to appear as if he had tried too hard, nor did he want to seem like he didn't care at all.
As he pondered his outfit, a voice broke through his concentration, striking a chord of dread deep within him. 'Well, well, if it isn't Date Makoto'.
His heart sank. Against all odds, he turned to see two women 'Kira and Yumi' who had made his life a living hell in high school. The memories flooded back in an instant: whispered rumors, harsh laughter, the gnawing feeling of isolation. They were all too familiar to him, as if time hadn't altered the sharp edges of their torment.
Look at you! Kira mocked, flipping her hair with a bravado that reeked of superiority. Where have you been hiding? Thought you vanished off the face of the Earth. Did you finally find a girl?"
"I've been busy," he replied tersely, his gaze drifting to the floor—anything to avoid the scrutiny of their eyes. "And I'm here for clothes, not a catch-up session."
Yumi chuckled, leaning in closer as she picked up a shirt that nearly matched the shade of his pale cheeks. "Busy? Or just avoiding us? Last I heard, your life went downhill after your little 'incident' with Samantha. What was it again? She left because you couldn't measure up?"
The jab hit harder than he expected, and while he felt the urge to retaliate, he swallowed it down, forcing himself to remain calm. Instead, he focused on answering the questions with monotone disinterest; he wouldn't give them the satisfaction of seeing how deeply their words cut.
But as the conversation droned on, he felt the familiar sensation of their words clawing at old wounds—old insecurities that no amount of time could fully heal. Suddenly, Tara's gaze caught on the mark of love etched into his palm, once bright, now flickering like a candle in the draft of their presence. It was a tattoo, a commitment to the one person who had accepted him during his lowest points—Samantha. She had seen him beyond the taunts, beyond the name-calling, and had loved him fiercely until fate pulled them apart.
"Isn't that cute?" Kira observed, looking closely. "What's that? A reminder of your only relationship? How romantic."
In an instant, Date yanked his hand away, the coldness in his stare piercing through the moment. "Leave me alone," he warned, his voice steadier than he felt. "I'm not interested in your games anymore."
For a heartbeat, silence enveloped them, the weight of his defiance hanging thick in the air. The women seemed taken aback, their expressions flickering between surprise and indignation. For once, Date felt powerful. This confrontation wasn't about them—but rather about him reclaiming the narrative of his life, a life they once dictated through their cruelty.
"Look, Date, we were just teasing," Yumi said, her voice losing its edge. "You don't have to be so sensitive."
"Sensitive?" His laugh was humorless, echoing in the expanse of the store. "You think being bullied made me sensitive? Teasing for the boy you killed in the past? Tch, how typical".
With that proclamation, he turned, not waiting for their response. The warmth of empowerment rippled through him as he stormed away, their surprised faces fading from view. He made his way towards the fitting rooms, each step anchoring him further into his newfound strength.
Date stood before the mirror moments later, glancing at the reflection of the man he had become. Gone was the timid boy overshadowed by insecurity; in his place was someone shaped by resilience, by loss, and most importantly, by love. He would wear that mark of love with pride, a reminder that even in the face of torment, he had found beauty and strength.
Yet, he knew that his life was tied by the mark, he recalls how he got it and the painful upbringing he wish to forget and erase it forever, unfortunately he knew that it was part of him. A plague he cannot remove, and he will continue living until that time comes.