Chapter 576: Seventeen

December 11, 2025

Sliding the window open, Hiro glanced outside. Flakes of snow danced in the air as they fell from above. The world outside was enveloped in a layer of snow.

At the moment, Hiro had just woken up.

With the festive season approaching, he had returned to his hometown.

Staring at the world outside, he whispered, “Yet another winter has come.” His breath immediately transformed into a white mist.

“Hiro, are you awake?”

The voice of his mother from downstairs penetrated his ears, distracting him from his reverie.

“Yes, Mom,” he responded.

“Then come down and have breakfast,” she yelled.

“Coming,” he said before sliding the window shut.

Just as he got to the kitchen, he was met with the sight of his parents. His father who had recovered enough to make some movements was sitting in his usual place with a newspaper in his hand.

The mug before him oozed steam, signaling the presence of a hot beverage.

His mother was setting the table.

The kitchen was brightly lit and the atmosphere was rather serene.

It was the peaceful atmosphere, he had longed to see. Seeing them, he felt at home and he couldn’t help but smile.

Due to his father’s injury, this peaceful atmosphere had been disturbed. But now, it felt as if everything had been restored back to normal.

“Did you brush your teeth?”

His mother asked him just as he was about to take his seat. Hiro felt slightly awkward and soothing at the same time. After all, it had been a long time since he had been asked this question.

Something was enchanting in the way she asked.

“You don’t look out for yourself, do you? I’m guessing that with nobody around to remind you, you probably do as you like, don’t you?”

His mother started to nag. It was as if all she needed was a reason to pick on him. But Jake didn’t mind her nagging. Rather he found it quite soothing instead.

It was as if those harsh words were music to his ears.

“Don’t worry so much, Mom. I take care of myself,” Hiro assured as he got out of the kitchen to freshen up.

Even so, his mother couldn’t help but reveal a concerned look on her face, “I’m sure he’s only saying that to console us.”

His father who was the spectator to their exchange, broke into a soft chuckle as he said, “Haha…, You worry too much dear. I’m sure he takes great care of himself. After all, he’s already seventeen now. So, I think you should go a little easy on him.”

Hearing him, she rolled her eyes to look at him, “Obviously, you’ll take his side. But how would he survive in the real world if we don’t be harsh on him? You’re spoiling him too much.”

After that, Takashi couldn’t bring himself to utter a single word, ‘I wonder if there’d come a time when your temper would change.’

“It’s already his seventeenth birthday. It feels like just yesterday when he was five years old. Just why do children grow so fast?” she said, her tone filled with grief.

Takashi looked at her and found her with a gloomy expression, “Indeed, he’s already turning seventeen. Next year, we might not even be able to spend his birthday with him. But we shouldn’t worry about our children growing up fast. Instead, shouldn’t we be happy that he’s growing well?”

Her heart ached when she thought about parting ways with him. But once a bird grows old, it’ll leave its nest to find a new home. She was well aware that she couldn’t keep him with her for the rest of her life.

Even so, she couldn’t help but feel sad about it when thinking about it.

“Sigh~ You’re right…,” she sighed deeply. “Instead of worrying about their departure, we should wish them luck and support them.”

“Yeah, don’t worry about it. I’m sure, he’ll be fine. After all, he’s our son,” Takashi said with a proud expression.

“That aside, what are we going to do about his birthday? We should celebrate it. After all, we might not be able to celebrate for who knows how long afterward.”

Takashi nodded, “Indeed, we must celebrate it. After all, it comes only once a year. But what gift should we prepare for him?” fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cm

“What would he need?” she asked.

“I don’t know. Let’s ask him.”

His response got on her nerves. For a while, she even thought if he was being sarcastic right now. But seeing his composure, she realized that it was hopeless to ask him in the first place.

Frowning, she said, “Leave that matter to me.”

She figured that it’d be better for her to plan everything by herself. After all, she couldn’t put a strain on him when he was recovering.

Takashi didn’t go against her. So, he nodded.

Right then Hiro also arrived. Immediately, the two composed themselves, pretending as if everything was normal.

“Sit down, I’ll pour you some soup,” she said as she hastily stood.

“Aren’t you eating, Mom?” Hiro asked upon finding her idle.

While he and his father ate the prepared breakfast, she was the only one who was not eating.

“You eat first. I’ll eat later,” she responded.

Then she left the kitchen and came back a little later.

Hiro finished his breakfast and headed upstairs. Entering his room, he found his phone buzzing. So, he immediately walked to the phone, “Ishikawa? Why is she calling me right

now?”

“Hello, Hiro. Are you free right now?” she said as he picked up the call.

Well, he didn’t have anything to do, so, he answered honestly, “Yeah, I’m free.”

“Great! Then will you accompany me to the market?” she asked cheerfully. “I wanted to buy a few things. So, it’d be great if you could tag along.”

Remembering the time, she had helped him, he couldn’t bring himself to deny her. It’d be too rude to deny her right now.

So, he agreed, “Sure, when are we leaving?”