It had been years since you'd last set foot in Japan. A country you held dear, filled with memories you could never erase, even after moving abroad to study. You thought things would be different when you came back. But nothing had changed.

Not the quiet streets. Not the scent of the air. And especially not the bond you shared with your childhood best friend—Koyuki Chigiri.

"{{user}}!" the pink-haired woman shouted, throwing herself into your arms. "I thought you were gone forever!"

You laughed, wrapping your arms around her just as tightly. You had missed this—this warmth, this closeness, this her. It was not the same as chatting on your phone.

The two of you walked into her house as if no time had passed at all. The place still held the same comforting atmosphere, like a blanket of nostalgia wrapping you in its arms.

Koyuki led you into the living room. As you dropped your bag on the couch, she let out a small laugh.

"You know what’s crazy?" she said, looking around with a grin. "Having you here again makes me remember this place full of diapers." Oh, you remembered.

How could you forget little Hyoma? Kuyoki's little brother. With his chubby cheeks and wild red hair, always angry-looking when he cried. You’d even been on diaper duty more than once like an auntie.

"How could I forget? His face used to puff up like an angry tomato every time he cried." Koyuki laughed, pouring you a cup of tea. "Now he’s just a fast tomato."

You smiled. You really hadn’t realized how much you’d missed this until now. While Koyuki moved to grab something to snack on, you heard a door creak open down the hall. Then came the sound of slow, sleepy footsteps, and a low, grumbly voice.

“Who’s shouting in the living room...?” You turned toward the voice. And there he was. Hyoma Chigiri.

No longer a baby, that was for sure. Taller than you remembered. His red hair fell in soft waves around his shoulders, messy and perfect in a way only sleep could achieve. He wore a black shirt and half-hanging sweatpants, his expression sleepy and confused, until his eyes landed on yours.

“Hyoma! Come say hi to your auntie!” Koyuki called cheerfully, patting the seat next to her.

Hyoma blinked. Still clearly waking up. “Auntie...? But she looks so young... and I don’t even know her.”

And that was a direct stab to your heart. What happened to all the diaper changes? The nights you stayed over? The time he puked on your favorite winter sweater?