Part 12: THE GIFT

**Part 12: The Gift **

The sun shone brightly in the sky, a perfect day to celebrate. Today was Hiro and Emi’s birthday, and Kyoshi felt a mix of excitement and nerves. In his previous life, he had been a distant brother, too consumed by his own problems to recognize the importance of their bond. But now, armed with the knowledge of his past mistakes, he was determined to be a better sibling.

After school, Kyoshi made his way to the mall, the familiar jingles of storefronts and the buzz of excited shoppers filling the air. He wandered from shop to shop, but with each passing moment, the weight of indecision grew heavier. What could he possibly give his siblings that would express how much he cared?

As he walked through the mall, he noticed a group of vibrant stores, each one bursting with potential gift ideas. Just as he was about to step into a toy store, he caught sight of Yumi, her hair bouncing as she chatted animatedly with a friend. Taking a deep breath, he approached her.

“Hey, Yumi!” he called out, and she turned, her face lighting up with a smile.

“Kyoshi! What’s up?” she replied, her energy infectious.

“I’m looking for birthday gifts for my brother and sister. Any ideas?” he asked, hoping her creative mind might spark some inspiration.

Yumi pondered for a moment, tapping her chin. “How old are they turning?”

“Seven,” he replied, feeling a rush of nostalgia at the thought of their childhood.

“Then definitely something fun! How about a cool board game? Kids love playing together, and it’s something they can enjoy as a family,” she suggested enthusiastically.

“That’s a great idea! Thanks, Yumi!” he said, feeling a surge of relief. As he waved goodbye, he made his way toward the toy section, his mind already racing with ideas.

As he entered the store, he spotted a bright, colorful board game that promised endless hours of fun. He picked it up, but just as he was about to head to the checkout, he bumped into Hana, who was browsing the shelves.

“Hana! Perfect timing,” he said, a grin spreading across his face. “I need your help with something.”

“Oh? What’s going on?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“I’m trying to find a birthday gift for my twins. I just got some advice from Yumi about a board game, but I want to make sure it’s special.”

Hana’s expression softened. “That’s so sweet, Kyoshi. I think a board game is a fantastic idea! But maybe you could add something personal, like a set of fun stickers or custom game pieces? It makes it more unique.”

“Great suggestion!” he replied, his heart swelling with appreciation. “Thanks, Hana!”

After exchanging farewells, Kyoshi continued his search, feeling more confident with each interaction. As he made his way to the electronics store, he spotted Reina, engrossed in examining the latest gadgets.

“Reina! I need your opinion,” he said as he approached her.

She turned, her brow arched in intrigue. “What’s the occasion?”

“It’s my siblings’ birthday. I’m looking for a gift.”

Reina smirked, her typical feistiness shining through. “You’re really stepping up, huh? What do they like?”

“They love video games, but I don’t want to just give them a game. I want it to be special,” Kyoshi explained.

“Then get them a gaming accessory! Like a cool controller or a fun headset. It’s something they’ll use for a long time and think of you whenever they play,” she suggested, her enthusiasm contagious.

“Perfect! I’ll check out the gaming section,” he said, energized by her advice. After thanking her, he moved toward the electronics store, eager to explore the options.

Inside, he spotted a sleek, colorful controller that seemed perfect for the twins. With it securely in his hands, he felt a sense of accomplishment beginning to wash over him.

But as he made his way to the checkout, he suddenly spotted Keiko at a nearby cafe, nursing a drink. He hesitated, but then made up his mind. Approaching her, he asked, “Keiko! Do you have a moment?”

“Kyoshi! Of course. What’s going on?” she replied, her gentle demeanor putting him at ease.

“I’m looking for birthday gifts for my brother and sister. I just got a board game and a controller, but I wanted to see if you had any ideas.”

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with kindness. “You’ve already got great gifts! But why not add a little something sentimental? A photo frame where they can put their favorite memories together? It’ll remind them of their special bond with you.”

Kyoshi’s heart warmed at the thought. “That’s a lovely idea! Thank you, Keiko!”

As he left her, he couldn’t shake the feeling of connection he had with each girl, each interaction a reminder of the importance of relationships. His next stop was the craft store, where he could find a beautiful frame for the photos.

Finally, feeling fulfilled and excited about his purchases, Kyoshi made his way back home. As he entered, the scent of his mother’s cooking filled the air, and he couldn’t help but smile. Today was the day he would show Hiro and Emi just how much they meant to him.

He carefully arranged the gifts— the board game, the gaming controller, and the photo frame—on the table, ready for the birthday celebration. When Hiro and Emi came running into the living room, their faces lit up with joy, Kyoshi felt a warmth bloom in his chest.

“Happy birthday!” he exclaimed, pulling them both into a hug. “I have some gifts for you!”

As they tore into the presents, laughter and excitement filled the room. For the first time, Kyoshi felt truly connected to his siblings, the bond of brotherhood growing stronger. He had made mistakes in the past, but today marked the beginning of a new chapter, one where he would always strive to be the brother they deserved.

Chapter end