Page 53 of Curses & Kitsune

Out the windows, the streets slowly fill with people. Being back in Osaka feels… strange. I grew up in this city, so it holds so many different memories. Some of them are good, but the rest are just bitter. This is where I grew up and went to school. I made friends and had crushes on guys in my class, fell in love with photography and journalism, and tried for years to fit myself into the mold my parents wanted as heir to their hospitality franchise. My brother happily accepted his duties and responsibilities in the business, but I struggled. I don’t feel like the same person I was then. In some ways, I’m a better version of myself, but I still have so many doubts about my self-worth.

Maybe those feelings will always be there, like scars on my skin. The thought is depressing, but I may just have to learn to live with it. Thanks, family, for the trauma and pain!

Oh, that’s right. My father tried to get in touch with me yesterday. My phone charged overnight so while I wait for my order, I take a seat and check my messages. Mom texted me while we were flying to Osaka.

Mom: call me.

Then there was a missed call early this morning.

Shit. Something must have happened.

Stepping outside so I don’t disturb the peace and quiet, I return my mother’s call. My heart races, and my stomach does flips. What’s happened? It must be bad if she’s trying to call me.

“Jinta!” my mother says, voice warm. “How are you, dear?”

“I’m okay. Sorry I couldn’t return your call. I was busy. Work stuff.” I tense, expecting a nasty comment about my job or my obligations to family.

Instead, she says, “That’s… that’s all right. I understand how busy life can sometimes be.”

I blink, honestly stunned. For years, I tried to be their perfect son in the hopes they’d adore me as they did my brother. But when I refused to be who they wanted, they shut me out and no longer supported me in anything I wanted to do.

“How are you? Are you well?” she asks.

“I’m fine,” I say. “Uh… is everything okay?”

Rather than answer, she says, “There’s something your father and I need to discuss with you if you’re available to chat sometime today.”

Instantly, I’m on guard. Whenever they need to talk to me together, it’s usually about how I’ve failed or disappointed them in some fashion. I should just decline. I don’t owe them my time, not when they’ve never treated me like family. Besides, I’m supposed to be helping Raiden. “Maybe.” I didn’t want to be rude and say no, but I also don’t want to accept her invitation. “I’m a bit busy today.”

“Ah. I see,” Mom says, disappointment plain in her voice. I wince. Can’t anything I do be good enough? Why am I always such a fuckup? “Jinta… I know our relationship has been difficult lately.” I almost scoff. “But even so, we’re still your family, and we need you to be a man and step up.”

Suddenly we’re family when they need something from me? “Mom, I…” Just say no! I mentally scream the words. “I’ll let you know if anything changes.” I want to hit myself.

“I understand.” Her voice is cold and clipped. “Let me know before tonight. Have a good day.” She hangs up on me. Sighing, I shove my phone in my pocket. I’m twenty-two years old, but I still let my parents make me feel like an asshole for setting boundaries with them. Seriously, what was I expecting? That they’ll realize I’m the son they never had and finally accept me?

Even I know that’s never going to happen.

“Sir?” The barista holds out the paper bags with our pastries.

Caffeine and pastries acquired, I dart back across the street and ride the elevator back to our room.

What could have happened that’s so bad they need my help? They’ve spent years making it clear they want nothing to do with me for turning my back on them. What if it’s something bad? I can’t imagine what would be so bad they’d turn to me for help. I’m sure my brother Katsuki knows, but I’d rather bite off my tongue than speak a word to him ever again after he kissed Raiden.

I swipe our room card. Inside, the bed is made and empty. For a moment, my heart stops dead. Did Raiden leave without me? No. No, why would he do that? Before I can panic, the tinkling of the bathroom sink registers in my ears. He’s here. Everything is fine. Why am I so anxious? I’m not usually this doubtful.

Come on, Jinta. Cheer up. Focus on helping Raiden find his dad. Don’t worry about everything else.

Right. Like that’s going to happen.

I set Raiden’s coffee on the table along with the mochi donuts I bought. Raiden comes out of the bathroom, fully dressed, handsome face clean shaven. The sight of him makes my stomach flutter—until I remember Ren’s text. He’s hiding something from me, and I’m too nervous to ask what it is.

I dredge up a smile. “Good morning.”

He returns my greeting. “Thanks for the food.” He presses a warm, damp kiss to my cheek but before I can melt into his tender touch, he’s moving out of my reach. It’s probably just me feeling insecure, but he seems distant. Raiden checks his phone while he eats his pastry and drinks his coffee.

“It’s good, right?”

Raiden nods wordlessly.

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