Two hours passed with Kenji hauling crate after crate of fruits and vegetables across the fields.
When most of the work was done, he approached the man who had greeted him earlier.
"Excuse me, sir," Kenji said, bowing his head slightly. "I need to return home for a short while. I'll come back afterward."
The man hesitated, then nodded. "That's fine. You've already finished most of your share."
"Thank you."
Kenji turned and headed home.
As he passed through the edge of the farm, voices followed him.
"Poor kid…"
"He's already twelve and still hasn't awakened."
"I heard he's broken."
"Must be from his mother's side."
"Didn't she abandon him? And his father died after bringing him here."
Kenji did kept his expression neutral as walked ignoring the voices. He reached home, removed his dirt-covered boots at the entrance, and went straight to wash his hands and face. Afterward, he sat at the table, resting his cheek against his palm, eyes unfocused.
The door opened again. Takahiro, Yume, and Ray entered together, chatting quietly. They cleaned up before joining him.
"Morning, Kenji," Takahiro said.
"Yo," Kenji replied.
"Morning, Kenji!" Yume greeted brightly.
Kenji glanced at her, then looked away without answering.
Yume's smile faltered.
"Yume, want to help?" Selena called from the kitchen.
"Coming," Yume replied, forcing cheer into her voice.
Takahiro watched her go, then frowned. "You don't have to be so cold to her."
Kenji looked out the window, his expression hidden.
"How are you feeling?" Takahiro asked after a moment.
"Fine," Kenji answered, teeth clenched.
Selena and Yume set bowls on the table, placing a large pot of porridge between them. Ray took his seat. Anna joined shortly after, still looking half-awake.
They clasped their hands together.
"Thank you for the meal."
Just as they were about to eat, the door slammed open.
"YOOOOOO, FAMILY! I'M BACK! DID YOU MISS ME?!"
A boy strode in, seventeen at most. Both sides of his head were shaved, leaving a strip of light brown hair styled into a messy mohawk. His boots were caked with dirt, his vest torn and worn. He looked like trouble incarnate.
His sharp grin was wide, his eyes gleaming with reckless confidence, something feral lurking beneath.
He threw his arms wide. "MOTHER! FATHER! RAY! I'M GONNA KICK ASS TOMORROW!"
Kenji's eyes lit up.
"Ro!"
Everyone else froze.
A heavy, suffocating pressure filled the room.
All eyes turned to Anna.
She stood slowly, her expression dark, furious beyond restraint.
"Oi," she growled. "You bastard. You disappear for a month and dare walk back in like this?"
She took a step forward.
"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU ARE, YOU SEMI-BALD BASTARD?!"
Anna lunged.
"My mother, please wait!" Ro shouted, backing away. "I CAN EXPLAIN!"