The scene shifts back to the present.
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After parting ways with Van, Chongzong went home by himself.
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After getting off the bus and walking on the way back home, the sixteen-year-old boy felt empty inside.
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How are his family.
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What will happen tomorrow.
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Everything is unpredictable.
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It was not until the sight of the two-story house of the Uesugi family came into Chongzong's view that his heart skipped a beat, pausing for a moment.
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Chongzong was stunned.
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In what should have been an empty house, the lights were still on, and there were shadows moving around.
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Not unfamiliar shadows, but familiar ones.
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And Chongzong even caught a familiar smell.
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It was the smell of curry rice, the curry rice made by Yukino.
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—Could it be...?
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An idea that even Chongzong himself thought was impossible suddenly crossed his mind.
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Without hesitation, he quickened his pace, and unconsciously started to jog, then ran faster, sprinting.
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Unable to contain his excitement, Chongzong opened the door, and upon entering, he could hardly believe his eyes.
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...Everyone was back.
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Yuki and Mizuo were sitting on the sofa in the living room watching an anime called "Spiral Break Magical Girl."
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Uncle Tanaka was standing by the side of the living room, talking on the phone, probably about work.
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Yukino and Yui were cooking together in the kitchen, in perfect harmony.
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Yukino was stirring the pot, while Yui was assisting with preparations, their movements skillful.
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It felt as if everything that had happened before was a lie, and daily life had returned.
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Chongzong stood there dazed, watching, not knowing what to say.
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Only his eyes were gradually becoming moist.
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—Is all of this real?
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"Ah, Chongzong, you're back." (Uesugi Tanaka)
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The first to notice Chongzong's return was Uesugi Tanaka.
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After putting down his phone, he saw Chongzong and greeted him, as naturally as usual.
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"Chongzong, bro!" (Mizuo)
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"Brother...!" (Yuki)
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Shortly after, Mizuo and Yuki, following Uesugi Tanaka's lead, noticed Chongzong.
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Their voices were filled with unhidden joy.
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"You're back, Chongzong~" (Yukino)
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"Welcome back~" (Uesugi Yui)
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Everyone put down what they were doing and looked at Chongzong.
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It's as if nothing had happened.
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As if it was Chongzong who had left home, not them.
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"..." (Chongzong)
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It wasn't until he tried to speak that Chongzong realized he was choked up and couldn't find his words.
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"This... this isn't right." (Chongzong)
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— Clearly, it was you who were taken away and suffered.
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"It should be me saying 'welcome back' to you, isn't it...?!" (Chongzong)
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As Chongzong spoke, he staggered forward a bit.
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Mizuo was the first to rush up and hugged Chongzong (though she could only reach his thigh).
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Then Yuki also walked over a bit shyly and together with Mizuo, they embraced Chongzong.
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"Yeah... it's hard to put into words." (Uesugi Tano)
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"But as long as we can reunite as a family like this, that's the best." (Uesugi Tano)
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"I know you must have a lot of questions for us, and we have a lot to say to you. Let's talk about it over dinner, which should be ready soon." (Uesugi Tano)
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"Mhm..." (Chongzong)
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Chongzong squatted down and hugged Yuki and Mizuo.
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He didn't know what his family had gone through these past two days.
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But as Uesugi Tano said, being able to come together like this now was better than anything.
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Other matters could be discussed later.
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Now, all he needed to do was hold onto the crying Yuki and Mizuo tightly.
