Chapter 1: Yasushi
Yasushi Takahashi sat in his small studio apartment, surrounded by a cacophony of colors and shapes. The walls were adorned with his artwork—bold splashes of paint, intricate designs, and digital renderings that reflected his passion as a graphic designer. At 28, he had built a name for himself in the industry, working tirelessly to craft designs that resonated with clients. Yet, amidst the accolades and achievements, there was an emptiness he couldn’t shake off.
As the late afternoon sun filtered through the window, casting a warm glow across his workspace, Yasushi found solace in the familiar rhythm of his work. He clicked away at his computer, fine-tuning a logo for a local coffee shop. The scent of fresh paint lingered in the air, mingling with the aroma of instant coffee—his only companion on many late nights. Each stroke of his digital brush was deliberate, a reflection of his inner world where colors communicated feelings he struggled to express in words.
Yasushi's phone buzzed on the cluttered desk, breaking his concentration. He glanced at the screen—his friend Haruto. A quick message read, “Let’s grab a drink tonight! It’s been too long.” Yasushi hesitated. The thought of socializing sent a wave of anxiety through him. He had always been more comfortable alone, lost in his designs than engaging in the small talk that came so easily to others.
“No, thanks. I’m busy,” he typed back, hitting send before he could second-guess himself. The truth was, he had been avoiding gatherings like the plague. Each encounter with friends seemed to bring a reminder of the unfulfilled relationships in his life—the friendships that fizzled out and the romantic connections that never blossomed. Yasushi preferred the company of his art, where he could control the narrative, unlike the unpredictable nature of personal relationships.
He returned to his work, but the thoughts lingered. Haruto was persistent, a friend who cared enough to keep trying, despite Yasushi’s constant refusals. Perhaps it was time to reassess his boundaries. Yet, he couldn’t shake the feeling that letting someone in would only lead to disappointment. His mother had taught him that people were fleeting, easily drifting away when faced with hardships. That lesson had etched itself into his psyche, casting a long shadow over his heart.
As he worked, Yasushi’s mind drifted back to his childhood. He could still remember the warmth of his mother’s embrace, how safe he felt when she was near. But that comfort was short-lived. He had been just a boy when she decided to leave, pursuing dreams that didn’t include him. The memories flooded back—the late nights waiting for her return, the sense of abandonment that had planted its roots deep within him. Each day felt like a struggle against an invisible weight that pressed down on his heart, leaving scars that he carried into adulthood.
The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across his studio. Yasushi pushed aside his emotions, focusing instead on the vibrant colors on his screen. He poured his heart into the design, letting his creativity flow as a form of catharsis. Art became his refuge, a way to articulate the feelings he couldn’t express verbally.
Later that evening, as darkness enveloped the city, Yasushi stepped outside to clear his mind. The streets were alive with the sounds of laughter and chatter, a stark contrast to the solitude of his apartment. He walked aimlessly, his thoughts swirling like the autumn leaves dancing in the cool breeze.
He passed by a local festival bustling with energy. Colorful lanterns lit up the night, illuminating faces filled with joy and excitement. Couples strolled hand-in-hand, their laughter ringing in the air. Yasushi’s heart sank. He felt like an outsider, a ghost in a world that thrived on connection. The sight of couples enjoying the festivities ignited a flicker of longing within him, a desire for the companionship he so often avoided.
As he turned to leave, a small booth caught his eye. A sign read, “Couple Games—Win Prizes!” Yasushi chuckled to himself, shaking his head. The last thing he wanted was to be part of a couple-themed event. Just then, a gentle voice called out, “Hey! Are you interested in joining?”
Yasushi looked up to see a woman with strikingly beautiful features and an inviting smile. She was a few steps away, her long hair cascading down her shoulders, adorned with a delicate flower crown. Something about her presence drew him in, yet he felt a familiar instinct to retreat. “No, thank you,” he replied, trying to maintain his distance.
“Come on! It’ll be fun!” she insisted, her enthusiasm palpable.
Yasushi hesitated, the temptation to say yes battling with his ingrained reluctance to engage. He opened his mouth to decline again, but the words caught in his throat. Maybe just this once, he could step outside his comfort zone. After all, it was just a game—nothing serious.
“Fine,” he found himself saying, surprising even himself. The woman beamed, and for the first time in a long while, Yasushi felt a flicker of hope.
Little did he know that this moment would set off a chain of events that would challenge everything he thought he knew about himself and the walls he had built around his heart.
