Chapter 16: Homeward

‘Some places feel like home, some people make you feel at home. Home isn’t just a place—it’s also the company you keep along the way.’

The train to Kyoto wasn’t for another half hour. 

The station hummed with the low chatter of commuters, the distant screech of rails, and the occasional announcement over the speakers.

Ren and Arin found a quiet bench near one of the platform exits, tucked slightly out of the main flow of people. 

The late morning sun spilled through the large glass windows, casting long, warm rectangles of light across the floor.

Arin flips through a small notebook, trying to organize her thoughts. 

Every so often, her gaze flicked to Ren, who seemed entirely absorbed in his phone.

The contrast was almost comical: she was meticulous, jotting notes, planning, quietly observing the flow of the station, while he sat slouched, thumb moving rapidly, eyes glued to the screen, oblivious to everything around him.

A soft sigh escaped her. 

“What are you doing?” she asked quietly, careful not to startle him.

Ren blinked, not lifting his gaze immediately. 

“Hmm?” he murmured, still scrolling.

Arin tilted her head, curiosity getting the better of her. She leaned slightly closer, squinting at the screen. 

“Are you… texting someone?”

Finally, Ren paused, lowering the phone onto his lap. 

「ああ…誰か、ね。」

(“Yeah… someone.”) he admitted, voice light but with a hint of something unreadable.

「誰か？」

“Someone?” Arin echoed, an eyebrow raised.

Ren’s lips curved faintly. 

「きっともうすぐ来るよ。」

(“I bet they’ll be here soon.”)

A few moments passed. 

The station buzzed with people rushing by, announcements echoing overhead, but the two of them stayed seated, quiet except for the occasional shuffle of luggage wheels or the distant chime of a train.

Ren’s phone was tucked away, but his eyes kept flicking to the entrance.

Then, a sudden gust of movement drew their attention. 

Atsu came barreling around the corner, half-breathless, jacket slightly askew, hair sticking up from running. 

He skidded to a stop a few meters away, hands on his knees as he sucked in air, and then straightened, forcing a grin.

「やっとだな。」

(“Finally.”) Ren muttered under his breath, half relief, half teasing.

Atsu’s gaze landed on them, and he waved shakily. 

「ずいぶん時間かかったじゃん。」

(“Took you long enough.”) Ren teased, with a slightly amused tone. 

「まさか本当に時間通りに来るとは思わなかった。」

(“I didn’t think you’d actually make it on time.”)

Arin tilted her head, studying him. 

“You… ran here?”

Atsu shrugged, still catching his breath. 

“Someone had to make sure you two didn’t wander off onto the wrong platform.” 

He said, eyes flicking to Ren with a teasing glint. 

「お前さ、いつもスマホばっか見てんな。」

(“And you… don't always be buried in your phone.”)

Ren rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. 

「迷子になるよりマシだろ。」

(“Better than getting lost.”) he murmured.

Atsu straightened, finally able to stand tall again. 

The three of them lingered near the platform, the clatter of approaching trains echoing in the background. 

Atsu leaned casually against the railing, though his still-catchy breaths betrayed the run.

「で？」

(“So,”) Atsu began, smirking at Ren.

「お前ら、本当に今から京都行くのか？」

(“Are you guys actually heading to Kyoto now?”)

Ren glanced up, feigning annoyance.

「ああ、今一緒に帰るんだ。」

(“Yes, she’s going home with me now.”)

「へいへい、そういうことにしとくよ。」

(“Sure, sure.”) Atsu said, grinning.

「今度は何企んでんだよ？」

(“What’s under your sleeve this time, huh?” )

He flicked a glance at Arin, raising an eyebrow. 

“Aren’t you moving a little fast?”

Arin smirked lightly, crossing her arms.

“I’m just going for academic reasons.”

“Pfft..” 

Atsu laughed. 

“She’s going there to study, man.” 

He teased Ren.

「うるせぇよ。今、頑張ってんだって。」

(“Shut up. I’m trying here.”) Ren replied, a faint blush coloring his cheeks.

Atsu leaned back slightly, still grinning, but his eyes softened a bit.

「はいはい、ちょっとからかっただけだって。正直さ…お前らがちゃんと仲良くしてるの、見てていい感じだよ。」

(“Alright, alright, I’m just messing with you. Honestly… it’s nice seeing you two actually get along.)

「前みたいにすねて隅っこにいないしな。」

(You’re not just sulking in your corner this time, huh?”)

Ren’s lip twitched, half annoyed, half amused.

「ああ、気づいてくれてありがと。」

(“Yeah, thanks for noticing.”)

Atsu nudged him lightly on the shoulder.

「マジでさ、あんまり考えすぎんなよ。ただ楽しめよ。こういう機会、そうそうねぇから。」

(“Seriously, man. Don’t overthink it. Just… enjoy it. You don’t get chances like this every day.”)

Arin raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

“You sound almost… supportive.”

Atsu chuckled.

“Don’t get used to it. I’ll still tease you both whenever I can.”

Ren rolled his eyes, but the tension eased from his shoulders.

Atsu’s words, even with the teasing, carried a warmth that made him feel a little braver about the trip ahead.

“Alright.” Atsu said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

“Go on. Kyoto won’t wait for you.”

Atsu winked, then finally turned and left, leaving them with the quiet hum of the station and a faint echo of laughter. 

The train rocked gently as it pulled out of Tokyo Station. 

Ren sat across from Arin, hands resting loosely on his lap. 

The hum of wheels on the tracks and the murmur of other passengers filled the background, but the space between them felt unusually private.

Arin leaned back in her seat, eyes flicking out the window at the blur of city lights fading into the suburbs.

“Kyoto, huh.” she murmured.

Ren shrugged, glancing at her with a half-smile. 

“Yeah. Just… a quick visit. Academic reasons, of course.”

Arin tilted her head, smirking. 

“Sure, academic reasons.”

Ren laughed softly. 

「本当に、わたしのこと信じてないんだね。」

(“You really don’t believe me, do you?”)

“I don’t know… you’re easily distracted,” she teased, tapping her fingers on her lap. 

“And somehow, I feel like I’m not the only reason you came along.”

Ren’s grin widened just slightly. 

「そうかもね…。でも、多分…君を連れてきたかっただけなんだ。」

(“Maybe you’re right… maybe I just needed an excuse to bring you.”)

Arin blinked, caught off guard by his words, then quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the passing scenery. 

“Uh-huh… right.” she said lightly, though a faint warmth crept into her cheeks.

He leaned a little closer across the table, lowering his voice. 

“Okay. I will not be saying anything too crazy. Just… glad you’re here.”

Arin felt her heart skip, subtle but certain. 

She met his gaze briefly, noticing the earnestness there. 

“You better not.” she whispered, a teasing lilt hiding the flutter inside.

Ren chuckled, leaning back. 

「…ちゃんと休んでね。」

(“Take some rest.”)

The train hummed on, carrying them forward, the rhythm of the ride syncing with the quiet pulse of the moment. 

The city dissolved into the soft countryside. 

A careful intimacy had settled between them, full of teasing, soft smiles, and unspoken thoughts—the start of something neither of them wanted to rush, yet neither could ignore.

The train eased into Kyoto Station, slowing until it came to a gentle stop. 

The late evening light bathed the city in soft gold, highlighting the tiled rooftops and the distant silhouettes of temple spires.

Ren shifted in his seat, glancing at Arin. 

She was quiet, her gaze lowered, fingers lightly resting on her bag. 

Finally, he spoke, softly. 

「着いたよ。」

(“We’re here.”)

Arin lifted her eyes, meeting his for a brief moment. 

“Mhm… okay.” she murmured, a faint exhale leaving her lips.

Ren nodded, understanding. 

「先に何か食べる？」

(“Want to get something to eat first?”)

She shook her head gently, leaning back, her posture relaxed. 

“Not yet. I… I just need a few minutes. The ride… it’s tiring.”

He studied her quietly, noticing the small crease of thought on her brow, the way her fingers lightly traced the edge of her bag strap. 

“Alright..” he said finally. His tone was soft, careful. 

「まず休もう。食べるのはそのあとでいい。」

(“Rest first. We can eat after.”)

Her lips curved into a small, almost shy smile. 

“Thank you.” she said quietly.

Ren offered a faint smile in return. 

「…説明しなくてもいいよ。ただ、ゆっくりして。」

(“You don’t have to explain. Just… take the time you need.”)

The station around them moved with life—footsteps, conversations, distant announcements—but in that small bubble, they simply existed side by side, quiet and aware of each other.

Arin leaned lightly against the window, eyes half-closed, letting the warmth of the sun and the soft rhythm of the train seep into her. 

Ren watched her for a moment, thinking that perhaps some moments didn’t need words—that simply being present was enough.

「京都は、わたしたちを待っててくれるから。」

(“Kyoto will wait for us.”) he murmured softly, almost to himself.

And for now, that was enough.

After a few moments passed by, they both stepped out of the station.

The soft hum of the city wrapped around them—the distant chatter of passersby, the rhythmic clatter of footsteps, and the occasional rumble of trains in the background.

Ren fell into step beside her, hands tucked into his pockets. 

Arin’s gaze lingered on the streets, the old wooden facades, and the warm glow of lanterns in the distance. 

A faint unease crept into her chest as she realized something.

“…I… I haven’t booked a room yet.” she admitted, her voice quiet, almost hesitant.

Ren glanced at her, brow slightly raised. 

“Hm?”

Arin slowed her pace, letting her shoulders sag a little. 

“For tonight… I didn’t think ahead. I just… focused on getting here.”

Ren slowed his steps slightly, watching Arin as she murmured about not booking a room. 

A small thought crossed his mind, quiet but insistent.

「…もしかして、彼女…うちに泊まること考えてる？」

(‘…Isn’t she… considering staying at my place?’)

He shook his head almost imperceptibly, chiding himself. 

「いや、多分ただ自分の時間がほしいだけか…」

(‘Probably she just wants her own space..’)

Yet, as they walked, he couldn’t help but notice the faint hesitation in her posture, the way she glanced around the streets as if weighing her options. 

His mind wandered, imagining how different it would be if she simply turned toward him, and he could offer a safe, familiar place for the night.

He bit back a small smile, feeling both amused and quietly anxious. 

Beside him, Arin continued walking, unaware of his fleeting thoughts, her focus still on the streets ahead, the little details of the city catching her eyes. 

Ren glanced at her, his tone casual, but careful.

「あのさ…よかったら、今夜うちに泊まらない？」

(“What if… maybe you can stay at my place tonight.”) he offered. 

「た、ただの提案だよ。無料だし…お金もかからないし。」

(“I-it’s free, won’t cost you anything as well.”)

Arin froze for a moment, caught off guard. 

She turned slightly, meeting his gaze. 

There was no teasing in his eyes—only a quiet sincerity that made her pause.

She opened her mouth, then hesitated, weighing the idea. 

“It would be convenient… but…”

Her thoughts flickered, imagining herself in his space, yet feeling strangely safe at the thought.

Ren watched her reaction closely, the faintest crease of worry on his brow betraying his outward calm. 

「嫌だったら全然いいから。」

(“It’s fine if you don’t want to.”) he added quickly, a soft smile tugging at his lips. 

「無理しないで。」

(“No pressure.”)

Arin looked down, fidgeting with the strap of her bag. The streets around them buzzed with the distant hum of evening traffic, but in this small bubble of quiet, the offer carried weight beyond words.

Finally, she nodded, slow and deliberate. 

“Okay… I guess I'll stay with you.”

Ren’s smile softened, genuine, and he gave a slight nod. 

「うん、もちろん。」

(“Yeah, sure.”)