Winter Breeze Epilogue by Otiak

Winter Breeze Epilogue

#10 of Winter Breeze

Thank you. Just... Thank you.

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Epilogue

You know me, you know our story.

You should probably know about the things that happened on that one fateful summer, and as well the events of winter that followed it. New beginnings eventually ended, and by the end of a story came in a new beginning. It never ends, like an endless loop where each chapter is another adventure waiting to be explored.

Okay, enough of the preamble.

Let me take you now to the amble.

To another beginning.

The golden rays of sun showered us once again with warmth, making my heavy-lidded eyes fluttered slowly and dragging my consciousness back to reality as I heard the continuous beeping sound from our alarm clock. Groaning as I sank my face back to my pillow, I groggily move my head to read the red-coloured digital font from our radio-alarm clock at the top of our desk, only to find out that I woke up to an ungodly hour in the morning. Upon reading the date today, I immediately snoozed the alarm off and took a quick glance on him, seeing his slumped body facing to my direction and hugging a spare pillow in between us, undisturbed from his own slumber.

Vigorously rubbing my eyes to take off the bits of sand at the corners, I gingerly slid myself out of the bed, pushing the blankets aside, and proceed to stretch until my joints cracked and a long, low groan escaped my mouth. Resting back, I walked slowly to the window whilst scratching my butt, and saw the endless mountains that stretched over the horizon until it reached the vast sky. The old willow tree from the distance has begun to have its leaves growing back again. Ah, seems to me that spring had already arrived and the harvest for this year would be quite plentiful.

Yep, as anyone could guess, we're back in Minasato again.

For the past few weeks, we started a tour for giving thanks to our fans that supported our small band, in which some just increased the number of white hairs on my scalp. Yes, including Keisuke in it. One hell of a road trip later, lo and behold, we're finally back into the village and got to perform our duties outside of the band back to normal.

If you're wondering how much time had passed, it's been seven years.

For the past seven years, some changes happened no matter how small or big it is. For example, the apartment that we're currently residing had been renovated by the Midoriya group into a much more spacious house. Along with that is a studio for which the other members can come to practice if the shop's closed, and also perform live for free to our close friends as well.

Amid of reminiscing all these past moments of life, I went and grabbed a new set of clothes then proceed to walking out of the room without waking him up. Once outside, I now walk through a wide corridor with several framed pictures that hung proudly on the walls.

There was one with a lean built Tigerman with a small pot belly and a round robust Bearman both smiling, hand-in-hand and making a peace sign with their other hands in front of the 'Honey-Vanilla Bed and Breakfast', formerly known as 'Ooshima Inn'. Through diligent hard work and perseverance, Torahiko finally inherited the family business once he turned at the age of 20, three years since him and Juuichi started dating. While the tiger took care of the managing and the cooking, Juuichi evened it out by taking care of budgeting and staff handling. Few months later they renovated the Inn into a breakfast and bed featuring their new specialty: the Honey-Vanilla tea.

As for their sports-related activities, Tora was scouted by a university in Kyoto during the summer swim meet at his senior year. All of us were there to support him and luckily ended up in second place. But despite the good offer that was given to him, Torahiko refused and pursue on to focusing about the family business. Juuichi wasn't very much pleased about his decision as well, but he still respected it. And speaking of Juuichi, he got a part-time job as a P.E. teacher in Kazenari High, and currently the Judo club's head coach. Ten-kun on the other hand, also being an alumni to the school, oftentimes helped Juuichi in teaching students in other forms of martial arts.

A Dragonman whose smile reached his ears while his hand held a monkey wrench perched on his shoulder and the other giving a thumbs up, standing behind a biplane. A pair of goggles was strapped on his head, his hair was tied back to a small ponytail, and a stump of beard was peeking out of his chin. On one seemingly 'normal' day, the Midoriya group was requested to repair an advanced car machinery, only in which none of them could figure out how the contraption (Tappei-san's words, not mine) worked until Tatsu-nii relate and apply his knowledge of a plane's engine to a car's.

Believe it or not, it actually worked!

And as a reward for fixing the engine, the owner of the car paid them a whopping wads of cash, as the owner turned out to be a high-ranking official of a prestigious airline company on vacation! And not only that, Tatsu-nii was also offered a job as a mechanic to their company as well! Perhaps the dream of being Japan's number one craftsman have somehow escalated to another level. And speaking of craftsman, Tatsu-nii also inherited the family business and his knowledge about vehicular machineries to the others, expanding their field of services that is being offered.

A plump Tanuki holding a DSLR camera whilst crouching down to take a photograph of a red Helen butterfly, sitting idly on a red Spider lily. Kounosuke's part-time job as a photographer of a magazine became full-time. And as of today, he was the most highly-paid photographers of all time. Each prestigious magazine companies (yes, even erotic ones!), and international ones, would offer him high amounts of money just for a single photo shoot, as his skills are, admittedly, diverse... In some sort of way. Like seriously, I don't understand his tastes in art at all.

With that, he was able to support Yukiharu's school and their parent's health finances. At the same time, funded and implemented of mobile network signals and internet in the village! The villagers are truly grateful to his deed, now that they can contact their loved ones outside of Minasato. Even me who missed the joys of procrastinating in front of my computer, surfing aimlessly, possibly watching porn. But a certain someone will surely kick my ass for being such a lazy slob, not helping him do some household chores. Except for the porn one.

And now, he's living in some fancy condo in Kyoto, just a few blocks from my parent's apartment, along with his prized camera and framed photographs that received multiple awards. Talk about being successful in life.

A white Catman standing not too near from the smaller black Catman whose cutting a red ribbon with a golden pair of scissors, in the grand opening of La pâte de Minasato on Bordeaux, France. Shin-kun and Amaki-san had to eventually move to France due to Shin's parent's decision. Upon hearing the news, we held a farewell party at the mini-pastry shop with the help of Amaki, five years ago. But seeing that Shin was near and dear to our hearts, of course being his childhood friends and all, Shin's father immediately requested the bordering town nearby to have the mini-pastry shop a branch of its own, telling us that our precious memories of Shin will be forever be with us no matter where we go. And every summer Shin, along with Amaki, would drop by to catch up with us and check to see how his main branch is doing.

As of today, the shop has over 100-plus branches all over the country and the one at Bordeaux was a stepping stone to go international! The now bake shop specialized in imported teas, and my personal favourite, the chocolate-dipped kwah-swan.

Damn, I never got used to that name.

A small, petite Wolfman in a Shinto priest outfit sitting in front of a television set, holding a cable-connected console while sticking his tongue out; and a massive grey Wolfman with square glasses perched on his muzzle, also in a Shinto Priest outfit and holding a spare console while playing a videogame of some sort with the smaller Wolfman. As far as anyone who eventually has to inherit the family business, Shun-kun accepted his fate as the town head priest. And three years ago, he decided to bend a rule to pass down his role as a Shinto priest to Ten-kun. Some family issues were involved, bad and scandalous ones, but since Shun had the highest ranking in the family, he has the right to do so!

As for Ten-kun, he had no other choice but to follow the orders of a much-higher ranked person in the family. And in his case, it was Shun-'sama'. Even though he's still 'old-fashioned', as so the others would say, he tried his best to look less threatening for he wanted to be approachable by the villagers (or at least, not forcibly to do so!), tried to adapt and be open more into the modern era.

And guess whose tail was thwacking loudly against the wooden floor when he received a new smartphone!

A Labrador smushing a white cake frosting over the Lionman's face, in which both are dressed to the nines and a noticeable golden ring sparkled by the fluorescent lighting of the mini-pastry shop.

But before I get you to their story, here's a little background information:

While it's true that marriage between two persons of the same gender is not allowed, and neither was it acknowledged when married on places outside of Japan, a stroke of luck happened three years ago. After a long and brief consideration, same-sex marriage is now legalized by the government along with some few perks such as parenting, anti-discrimination bills, and recognitions as well!

Erhm. Okay, now returning to their story.

By the moment we all heard about the glorious news, a few weeks later, we all received a small white envelope with a yellow and orange ribbon tied neatly around it, which contained a wedding invitation. And much to our surprise, it was Kyouji's and Soutarou's wedding! Last I heard from them is that when Kyouji graduated, he attended the National University with a scholarship given at the winter ball. On the other hand, expecting that he would also go to the same university with his boyfriend a year later, Soutarou attended a different university much to his dismay. Thus resulting for them to be on rival teams.

Though I wish I could tell you more, but... That is all there is.

A 'groupie' of ten figures in which all are maturely and equally aged, smiling and holding out peace signs by the seashore. Kounosuke, being the ringleader of all things, uh, 'get-together' (or so as he would call it), invited all of us on one spring night at the old elementary school, a few days since the spring break begun and for the seniors to leave, to have a small pep-talk. Since the seniors, namely Juuichi and Kyouji, had graduated and will be soon off to college, Kounosuke made us promised that even when we're not together, or how stressful and demanding may our jobs be, we must and always find a way to catch up and be together for one more time.

Many were touched by his explanation and tears were shed on that night as everyone agreed and promised. And from that point on, there was an unspoken agreement that every summer, they will swing by to the village.

A photo of the band showing our first framed vinyl record featuring the band's first self-titled album: Musikus. After their performance at the live house in Kyoto, we got scouted by a high-profiled music company. And with the help of Mitsuhisa-To-san and other supporters, we were able to establish our first album debut. The song "Letters to you" became a big hit afterwards. And song had made it to the charts for a month straight!

Little did our fans knew that it was a courting song Kouya made for me.

After having our first album released, we were hired by numerous people to perform. Weddings, concerts, live shows, TV guesting's, and even cartoon songs! But amidst of all fame and fortune we got, we all stayed the same. We swore to each other through the words encrypted at our dog tags. "We are forever with", through hardships and good times, no one will be left behind.

Yuuki had to make sure that Keisuke's head is still in the gutter. Jun-kun may have come out of his shell slowly, but every time we would watch a mystery film, he was the one who would always win the bet.

And as for us, well, the best is saved for last!

Of course, how could I ever forget my favorite one, was our wedding picture taken two years ago. Featuring our first dance as a newly wedded couple. The rest of the band playing an accompanying music with Yuuki singing, and the rest of the gang clapping along. It's funny if you ask me, since it was me who proposed to him. I chose Torahiko as my best man, and Kouya chose Keisuke. And at the wedding day itself, since he was the one who had to walk to the altar, Kouya was blushing so furiously that Mitsu-to-san have to walk with him. Another memorable scene was Kouya faltered on his vows and everyone had to laugh at that. But hey, at least I know this thing wasn't surreal!

Returning to the topic of same-sex marriage, the moment we heard the news, the following week later, I proposed him through the same song he serenaded me with seven years ago. And of course, he happily accepted it, along with the ring of course. And ten months later, we were happily wedded by a chief justice, namely Uncle Shigure, by the beach. The reception happened on Honey-Vanilla Bed and Breakfast, cake by Shin-kun, food and catering by the Ooshima crew, photo shoot and videography by Kounosuke, and decorations by the Midoriya group.

Following that, the news spread like wildfire in the music industry, and in our personal lives. Many were happy, mostly the people who truly knew us and fans alike, but of course it was inevitable to have other fans who disapprove to our wedding. But nevertheless, it's not our business to be taken serious with. All that matters is that welove each other.

And finally, a picture of a seven-year old German shepherd, with eyes shone like the deepest of the oceans, a smile so perfect that it can show true happiness, and being held by both of us. The apple of our eyes, Kyohei Aotsuki. At a very young age, Kyohei was exposed to some of the cruelties in this world. His mother, who is the only one left in her family, died a few days after giving birth to him. And his father on the hand, being a single child among other things, was imprisoned for all his life due to the cases of drug abuse, beastman trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, jaywalking, and many other offenses that is still pending on the list given by the people against him.

Because of this, Kyohei suffered from mild depression in which made him insecure about the things and people around him, thinking that all the bad things his dad made will be soon passed down to him, or as the caretaker would put it: 'being a total disappointment to all the people around him'. This eventually led him to not having friends at all in the orphanage, and oftentimes teased by the other kids. When we first met him, he used to hide behind the caretaker's legs. Several paper works and countless counseling sessions were held, and after weeks of 'babysitting' him, he finally got accustomed to us. Even decided and wanted to have us as his family. To have his life to start anew and do things that all kids should experience. He deserved to be happy, he deserved to have loving parents and to live in a non-oppressing society where you don't get criticized for not being 'normal'.

Our jobs (not only as band members, mind you) never hindered us from being the ideal parents we wanted to be, and be the ideal parents that Kyohei wanted. In fact, he even showed a sign of interest in music where he actually sang one of our songs without faltering and in perfectly-copied tone.

One of our promises as a parent is that we don't force our child to be in something he's not comfortable with. As long as both parties agreed on something they can assure a safe future, so let it be. We don't want to end up repeating Mitsu-To-san's mistakes (y'know, all that 'Your choice of profession is bad and you should feel bad!' kind of thing) so whatever our child wanted to be, we will support him throughout no matter what it takes.

Amid of reminiscing all these photos from the memory lane, I finally made it to the bathroom and proceed to take a shower. As I wait for the hot water to come, I took a glance over my reflection in the mirror. An amusing bedhead stood out of my locks. Heavy bags under my eyes began to fade (I blame coffee for that), and my beard growing a tad bit longer. Perhaps I should trim it a little bit. Heh, Kyohei liked to be tickled with this beard and Kouya liked it for the kink.

Double win for me.

Looking back to my seventeen year-old self, I was thin as a twig. But now, I have a lean and evenly toned body just like Kouya's. From the Bishie-Shota build, to borderline Bara McGee. All hanks to that training program I got from Juuichi.

Heh, make that triple win.

Perhaps we all have changed. Little by little. Though problems arose, there will always be a way to solve it.

After a warm bath and a fresh change of clothes, I went to our kitchen and gather up the ingredients to make strawberry pancakes. While tying the green apron to my back, Kyohei showed up while rubbing his eyes and a blanket clutched on the other, in his teddy bear patterned pajamas. With a yawn, he greeted me, "Good morning, Daddy."

"G'mornin' to you too, Kyohei. D'you want some pancakes?" I gave him a warm smile and he returned it back with a nod as well. And then he asked, "Should I wake up Papa for you, Daddy?"

"Maybe later, just let him sleep for now and later we can surprise him." I replied back with a wink as I whipped the batter mix. A few minutes later, I served Kyohei a piece of pancake and a glass of orange juice then I proceed making on another batch.

Though it's not a regular routine for us, with almost every mornings drinking and eating what they called 'food' at the convenience stores, every after tour we managed to get some 'family bonding'. And today wasn't an exception, since today was indeed a very special day.

Finishing the tower of pancakes with butter and some maple syrup with a piece of strawberry on top, I prepared the bed table with it and a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows, telling the pup at the table that it's time to wake his 'Papa' up. Quickly finishing his breakfast, he then made a dash to the bathroom and do what he needs to do. In the meantime, I grabbed Kouya's guitar (the very first one before it got replaced by the one Mitsu-To-san bought) and started tuning it, making sure it won't mess up while being played. Hopefully I can still remember how to play this thing, because the last time I learned how to play the guitar from him was on one summer after my five years of disappearance.

Ten minutes later, Kyohei finally showed up, all dressed up and ready to go, and I gave him the guitar as I balance the tray then proceed to walk back into our room. Gingerly turning the knob and opening the door as quiet as possible, Kyohei and I exchanged of what we're holding and put everything in its place. Kyohei set the tray on the blank space beside Kouya, making sure he can smell the melting butter and the aroma of that smooth hot chocolate. As for me on the other hand, I grabbed the computer chair and sat on it as I started strumming the chords of the only song I knew how to play. The husky woke up to the sound as his husband and son sang a memorable song worth playing a thousand times.

As I sit here, I couldn't think of anyone but you,

Along with the many things we can possibly do.

I took out a simple paper and began to write,

Things I want to tell you ever since that night.

Of all the things I want to say,

It will soon reach you right away.

But I hope you can reply very soon,

So I can read how you feel about me too.

I hope you still remember me

Somewhere in your memory,

And all the things we do,

Just to let you know, I long for you.

All my silly thoughts I poured into,

The ones I believe I can only share with you,

Wanting to hear something out of the blue,

'For I too, feel the same for you.'

Of all the things I want to say,

It will soon reach you right away.

But I hope you can reply very soon,

So I can read how you feel about me too.

Oooh, 'For I too, feel the same for you'...

"Good Morning, Papa!" Kyohei jumped at him with a hug, "Happy Birthday!"

Kouya quickly grabbed a hold of our son, hugging him back with a laugh, "Mornin' sport. Did you and Daddy prepared this for me? Thank you. I appreciate that." He smiled as he ruffled Kyohei's hair.

Kouya Aotsuki. Despite of his troubled past, he managed to prove the people who misunderstood him wrong. He was able to manage to live his life and survived half a year before I came in. Despite all the weaknesses he have shown, he remained strong. He has a big strong heart that can envelop his family with love, even if it means to sacrifice his own self. And he deserves nothing more but to be happy. And I love him for that.

I love him today.

I love him every day.

I love him forever.

Kouya Aotsuki-Nishimura. Twelve years ago, we met by coincidence at the park on a rainy afternoon, and that was only the start of a new friendship. Seven years ago, I met him again, far more mature looking than what he was. Only to find out that he ran off his so-called 'home' for a stupid argument. And now for someone who just turned twenty-four, I recognize him as a father, a brother, and a husband, who now had an amusing bedhead that stood out. He has a short pair of braided hair at the right side of his head. His bangs grew even longer along with his sideburns, making him distinctively looked like his father, even though he doesn't admit it. The same golden eyes flickered by the sun's rays reflected in them. A warm smile etched upon his face and this heavenly laugh that can melt anyone's hearts, as he played with our son. His paternal instinct had peeked ever since we have Kyohei, making him more cheerful than his usual self, seven years ago.

Fuck, I think I'm falling for him one more time.

Sweetheart, if you're reading this, I just wanted you to know that I love you and our son. More than anything else in this world, there is absolutely nothing that can replace you both. Together, we will live in a house sealed by a white-picket fence. We will be the best couple in town. We will be the very best like no parents ever was in every PTA meetings. We will both escort our son's graduation and march up until to his own wedding day. We will grow old together, have gross-looking wrinkles, our hair will eventually turn white, and we'll have a fucking race in our wheelchairs. All of this I wanted to do with you because I. Love. You.

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart.

I love you so, so much.

Life is one big test full of multiple choice. At some point in our lives, we have to make decisions on which answer would be the best suitable for the given situation or problem. And sometimes, the brain isn't the only one who has to make decisions. However, our answers are permanent and cannot be taken back.

But in our case, there are no right nor wrong answers. Only vague ones. You can never tell whether if it's right or wrong. Trust me on this. Once you finally made those decisions, you can never stop it from happening. And because of that, this what made me into a man who I am today, made him into a man that he is today, and made us into who we are today.

Change is the only thing constant in this world. And for me, this was the darn best thing that had ever happened to us. This is a story of two lost little boys who find their way back to where they truly and rightfully belong: To each other.

FIN

Winter Breeze

Written by: Kaito Kuromizu

Proofread by: Yawar