บท 20: Can You see It?
As the meal came to a close, Yuki let out a satisfied sigh, stretched lazily like a cat, and slowly stood up from the table. She ran a hand through her slightly tousled hair, then turned toward Ryosuke and his mother with a playful grin.
"Well, I suppose I could make myself useful and help clear the table, to make up for my lateness…" she said, casually grabbing a stack of plates.
Ryosuke stood up as well, taking a few utensils to join her in the kitchen.
For a moment, they cleaned the dishes in silence, the sound of running water being the only thing breaking the stillness that had settled in. But Yuki, being true to herself, couldn't stay quiet for long.
She glanced at Ryosuke, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Well now, you've certainly changed since the last time I saw you," she said with a teasing tone. "You're not the carefree little boy you once were, huh?"
Ryosuke shrugged as he placed the plates in the sink. "I've grown up," he replied simply, not offering much more.
Yuki set down the utensils she was holding and fixed him with a knowing smile. "So, since you're all grown up now, maybe you can finally answer me… What's your type of girl? Last time I asked, you dodged the question."
Ryosuke let out a small laugh, shaking his head. "Last time, I was ten," he said as he rinsed a plate under the warm water.
Yuki burst into laughter, the kind that lit up her face. But her amusement faded almost as quickly as it came.
The shift in the atmosphere was instant.
Yuki's expression turned serious, almost cold.
She pointed to her shoulder.
"You can see it, can't you?" she asked, her voice calm.
Ryosuke feigned surprise, widening his eyes.
Yuki raised a hand to calm him. "Relax, Ryosuke. I'll explain everything. How long has it been like this?"
Ryosuke looked away, uncomfortable. "It's been almost a month…" he murmured. "I thought I was losing my mind, but now I see you can see it too." He gestured toward the reptilian spirit silently coiling around his aunt. "Why is that… that snake attached to you?"
Yuki scratched the back of her head, a slightly embarrassed gesture. "Ah, that. Well, you see, a jujutsu sorcerer usually awakens between the ages of 4 and 6… but you, Ryosuke, you're quite the exception."
Ryosuke furrowed his brows, pretending not to understand. "Jujutsu sorcerer? What are you talking about, Auntie?"
She sighed softly, crossing her arms. The bone snake, which had been lazily floating up until now, suddenly slithered along her body. Yuki, keeping an eye on Ryosuke, gently placed a hand on the spirit's head. "This is my shikigami, a familiar. I'm sorry if it scared you."
Ryosuke took a step back, his eyes still fixed on the spectral snake.
Yuki gave him a compassionate look before smiling. "I really didn't expect one of my nephews to be awakened to jujutsu. You're quite the surprise, Ryosuke."
She placed her hand on Ryosuke's head and, with unusual tenderness, gently tousled his hair. "You must've been incredibly brave to go through this alone," she said with a small, warm smile. "It couldn't have been easy facing all this without knowing what was happening."
Ryosuke remained silent, his throat tight with a mix of emotions.
He took a deep breath and finally dared to ask, "So… I'm a sorcerer?"
Yuki nodded slowly, her expression soft yet serious. "It's more complicated than that, Ryosuke. But…"
She trailed off, watching him with a glimmer of concern in her eyes. "You've probably been feeling and seeing strange things these past few weeks, haven't you?"
Ryosuke stiffened.
"Yes," he murmured. "I didn't know what it was… but it scared me."
Yuki placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "It'll be okay. Now, your dear aunt is here to help you understand and control your powers. And together, we'll make sure those spirits don't harm you."
Ryosuke looked up at her, seeking some comfort in her gaze.
A playful smile spread across Yuki's lips. "Oh, come on, don't give me that gloomy look. After all, you're part of the Tsukumo family, and we're known for being fighters."
She ruffled his hair again, this time with affection mixed with pride.
Ryosuke couldn't help but smile slightly.
"Alright, enough serious talk for tonight. It's late. We'll discuss more tomorrow. For now, let's get some rest, okay?"
Ryosuke nodded gently.
"Goodnight, Auntie," he said softly as he made his way to his room.
"Goodnight, Ryosuke," she replied with an enigmatic smile, watching her nephew disappear down the hallway.
As he gently closed his bedroom door, Ryosuke lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling in the darkness.
Then, a quiet smile formed on his lips.
He let out a small chuckle. He sat up slightly and stretched his hands out in front of him.
Although he had already known, his confrontation with his aunt was further confirmation.
Ryosuke clenched his fists.
"Alright," he whispered, closing his eyes, his thoughts wandering into the mysteries ahead. "Tomorrow, I'm really joining the story."
TO BE CONTINUED!
Next Chapter: An Aunt worried about her Nephew
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