Chapter 8: The Weight of Words

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Letters Episode 8: “The Weight of Words”

(Narration)
"Life’s a weird thing. One second, you’re certain about how everything works—people leave, and you move on. The next, the past is staring you in the face, asking for a second chance. And the worst part? You don’t even know if you want to say yes or slam the door shut."

(Rukasu stands in front of his apartment door, hesitating. He feels the folded letter in his pocket, Yuki’s words pressing against his skin like a reminder. With a sharp sigh, he unlocks the door and steps inside.)

(The second he does, a familiar voice greets him.)

Kyohi: cheerfully Rukasu! You’re alive! Thought you might’ve finally gotten hit by a truck or something.

Rukasu: deadpan Not today. Maybe next week.

Kyohi: mock gasp I’ll start making funeral plans. So! Where were you? You never go anywhere after work.

Rukasu: grumbling You keep way too many tabs on me.

Kyohi: grinning Someone has to. So? Spill.

(Rukasu kicks off his shoes, ignoring the question. He walks to the kitchen, grabbing a glass of water. Kyohi watches him, arms crossed, waiting.)

Kyohi: smirking Ooooh, this is different. You’re avoiding the question. Which means—drumroll please—you were doing something interesting!

Rukasu: flatly I was kidnapped. They forced me to eat sushi and talk about my feelings. It was horrifying.

Kyohi: mock serious Tragic. I’ll alert the authorities.

Rukasu: sighing If I tell you, will you shut up?

Kyohi: brightly No, but tell me anyway!

(Rukasu rolls his eyes but finally mutters—)

Rukasu: …I met with someone.

Kyohi: perking up Ooooh! A someone, huh? Who?

(Rukasu hesitates. Saying her name out loud feels weird. Too real. But Kyohi is staring at him, expecting, and something about that makes him give in.)

Rukasu: grudgingly …Ayane.

(Kyohi’s eyes widen. The teasing vanishes, replaced by actual shock.)

Kyohi: Wait. Wait. That Ayane? As in, the girl you—

Rukasu: quickly Yes. That Ayane.

(For once, Kyohi is quiet. They just stare at each other, the weight of what that means hanging in the air. Then—)

Kyohi: softly …How do you feel?

(Rukasu exhales, rubbing his temples.)

Rukasu: tiredly Like I’ve been punched in the gut repeatedly.

Kyohi: grinning slightly Sounds about right.

(A beat. Then, Kyohi tilts their head, watching him closely.)

Kyohi: So? What now?

(Rukasu doesn’t answer immediately. He reaches into his pocket, fingers brushing over Yuki’s letter. The paper is worn, but the words inside still feel like they’re burning into him.)

(He thought reading it would give him clarity. Instead, it just left him with more questions.)

(He doesn’t know what happens next. Doesn’t know if Ayane truly deserves a place in his life again. Doesn’t even know if he’s ready to let her try.)

(But Yuki’s voice lingers in his head—soft, warm, and full of the kind of hope he’s always found annoying. And deep down, there’s a part of him that wonders if she was right.)

Rukasu: quietly …I guess I’ll find out.

(Kyohi watches him carefully, then smiles—small, but approving.)

Kyohi: softly Yeah. I guess you will.

(The conversation fades into quiet. For once, Kyohi doesn’t pry any further, and Rukasu doesn’t push them away. The weight in his chest is still there, but for the first time… it doesn’t feel impossible to carry.)

Submitted: February 20, 2025

Romance romance mystery drama comedy thriller