Chapter Text
March 21, 2006
Grandpa was sick and couldn’t walk Yuuji to daycare, so Yuuji was at the park, playing with his toys, when the man came and sat beside him.
Yuuji was nervous; he was alone, and the park was almost empty, but he acted like he was okay and kept playing. The man was playing with his fingers, and he seemed nervous. Yuuji didn’t think the man was dangerous. He didn’t know how ages worked, but he knew the man wasn’t old like his Grandpa. Also, Yuuji liked the man’s hair; it had two little buns on each side of his head and looked cute. Cute things were supposed to be safe.
“Maybe the man just wants to play.” Yuuji thought. He knew what being lonely felt like.
“Hi, Yuuji.”
The sudden voice made Yuuji jump, but he played it off. He was trying to look brave, but the man knew his name. Did he meet the man before? He didn't think so. Maybe he was a friend of Grandpa's. Yuuji wasn’t that good at remembering faces. “Do I know you, sir?” he asked. The man smiled. “No, but don’t be scared. Our mother sent me here. I’m your big brother.” Mother? Brother? Yuuji didn’t think he had any of those, but he remembered their teacher at daycare saying something about everyone having a mother. “That’s how babies came to Earth.” she said. Yuuji was confused. He only had Grandpa. “I’m sorry, sir, but I think you’re making a mistake. I don’t know you.” The man got up and shoved his hands into his pockets. “You’re right, Yuuji. We haven’t met before, but from now on, I’ll try to be a good brother.” He reached out to Yuuji and patted his head. It was quick, and Yuuji knew he shouldn’t let strangers touch him, but he couldn’t move. After he was done, the man smiled at him again and left.
When he returned home, Grandpa was asleep. He didn’t want to wake him up, so he went to his room and drew. Yuuji wasn’t sure if he wanted to tell Grandpa about the man at the park. He knew he should, but he didn’t want Grandpa to get scared. He knew being scared wasn’t good for his health. Yuuji loved Grandpa so much and didn’t want to lose him. And the man didn't look dangerous, and he didn't try to take Yuuji away. He was a bit weird, with the whole 'brother' thing, but it would be okay. The man had to be a secret.
Yuuji didn’t see the man again for three whole weeks. He didn’t want to, so it was okay. Grandpa got better, and Yuuji was going to the daycare again.
It was a rainy day, and Yuuji was waiting at the daycare playground for Grandpa to come and get him. Almost all of the kids had already gone home, and it was getting late. Yuuji was used to this; when Grandpa wasn’t well, he’d ask the neighbors to take Yuuji. “Do you want me to call your grandpa, Yuuji?” his teacher asked. She seemed worried. Yuuji knew grown-ups pitied him because he had only Grandpa, but Grandpa took care of him well, and he was strong. “Okay, teacher.” His teacher smiled at him and entered the building.
“Hi, Yuuji.” The man smiled at him. Where did he come from? He wasn't there just a moment ago. Yuuji pouted. “Why are you here, sir?” The man looked back at the building. Was he afraid of the teacher seeing him? Yuuji was nervous. Maybe this man was some sort of criminal. Yuuji wasn't allowed to watch the news, so he didn't know.
“I’m here to pick you up, Yuuji, and you don't have to call me sir. I'm your big brother. My name is Choso.” Choso. Yuuji hadn't heard that name from Grandpa at all. The man, Choso, was starting to scare him. “I'm sorry, Choso, sir, but I can't come with you because I don't know you. Can you please leave me alone?” Choose pouted. Did Yuuji upset him? It wasn't good. He knew criminals didn't like it when people disobeyed them. “Your grandpa couldn't come today, so I wanted to help you get home. I will never hurt you, Yuuji.” Yuuji knew Grandpa couldn't make it, but he also knew that Choso was a complete stranger. He didn't trust the man, but what if Choso forced Yuuji to go with him? It would be worse. He regretted not telling Grandpa about this man. “Okay,” he said. Choso smiled. “Let’s go.”
The road home was weird. Choso seemed genuinely happy, and Yuuji didn't get it. Was this man really his brother? If so, then why didn't Grandpa mention him at all? Yuuji’s head hurt. “Choso, if you're my brother, then why aren't you living with us?” Choso’s smile dropped. “It's because I didn’t know about you until last month.”
They didn't talk after that. When they got close to the apartment, Choso stopped. “I’ll leave you here, okay. See you soon, Yuuji.” He patted Yuuji’s head and left. Yuuji was confused about so many things, but one thing was certain. He had to speak to Grandpa about the man, Choso.