Persona BLEACHED 3: Chapter 9

Chapter 9: A Favor
August 25, 2029
Kenneth was used to early morning walks to the Naruki Residential District.
It started out as a frustrating routine. One that he had brought upon himself. The year prior, he had offended Rin such that he was called out and disciplined by her ever-protective neighbors, Tenko and Jin. An embarrassing defeat was not enough, however, as he was then made to be the pregnant fencer's personal errand boy, fetching whichever bizarre ingredients her raging hormones called for. Knowing he had earned the indignity, the young sculptor bit his tongue and did his duty. After a while, it became voluntary. Merely a helpful deed for a pair of new parents in need of it.
Today's excursion, however, was not to the Mirai household. Rather, it was to the house immediately before it. To the floral haven that was the Kubo house. 
"Never ceases to amaze how immaculate their garden is." he mused.
"Kennyyyyyyy!" a female voice called out.
"Drat. Even today, of all days."
Tenko was on her porch, holding Rina in one hand and waving with the other. "Morning, skippy! Just can't keep away from me, can ya?"
"Clearly, the Fates want our paths crossing as frequently as possible. Finally got a day off, I'm assuming?"
"Know what they say about the word 'assume', Kenny. But yeah, I got me a day to just sit around and pinch my baby's cheekies as much as I want. I can even do my own groceries! You must be so thrilled."
"That I don't have to look high and low for your favored brand of candy-flavored sushi? Extremely. But alas, my services are yet still required."
"'Alas, my services are yet still required'." Tenko said with a faux-Liverpool accent. "Always such a Serious Sam, Kenny."
"Is being straightlaced really so problematic?"
"If it was, I would've picked a different husband."
On cue, the door opened, and Jin poked his head out, wearing a red-and-blue hoodie designed after the Pokémon Kyogre. "Tenko, I've got her milk heated up." He glanced over to Kenneth. "Oh, morning, Southgate. What's with the stare? Never seen a primordial sea god before?"
"Can't say that I have, Mr. Mirai. So, Madame Valkyrie...how do you define 'straightlaced'?"
"Heehee~." Tenko giggled.
The Kubo door opened. "Guess this is what happens when I take extra time straightening my hair." Rin said.
"Worth every second, gorgeous~!" Tenko exclaimed.
"Could you not yell so close to her ears?" Jin griped.
"Care to come inside?" Rin asked Kenneth.
"A simple question with a simpler answer." he replied, and ducked into the house.
"Sorry if I kept you waiting any."
"They seem rather chipper this morning."
"I can imagine. It's the first time since Rina was born that they've both had the day off. I know Mimi is just thankful to have some time to rest. Raising a child is a team effort, and a massive one at that. I know it might not seem like it, but I know they're grateful that you still take time to get them groceries."
"Frustrating as it may be at times, it's the least I can do to make up for my rude behavior. Now, at the risk of repeating said rudeness, what is it you needed me for, Professor?"
"Straight to the point, I see. I have a favor to ask. I want you to visit this address."
Rin handed Kenneth a note card with the address. "Let's see...Professor? It says that they're on Mt. Shirayuki."
"Correct. A cabin on the mountain, next to a large lake."
"Who on Earth would be living somewhere that remote?"
Rin gave a sigh. "Her name is Miu Hanazaki. My mother."
"Your mother? What could she want from me?"
"She can explain it much better. It's a highly personal request from my family. When I heard what it was about, I recommended you given your skillset. I'm sorry for being vague, but this is something very important for my relatives and myself. Would you be able to speak with her?"
"I can oblige that. Though I would need much more to go on in terms of direction."
"I'll draw a map up for you. I'd really appreciate it if you could help. And between you and me, Mom could really use the company. I worry about her, up in that cabin by herself. But that place means so much to her, to us. Look for the lake and a sea of trees. And if you hear any music, follow it. I'm counting on you."
---
Mt. Shirayuki. During the wintertime, this steep mountainside is covered in blankets of snow. During the autumn, it is coated in flowers of nearly every variety and color. No matter the time of year, it was the perfect spot for locals to hike and get away from life's everyday tedium.
"Now, did I miss the turn...? Surely I couldn't miss a lake as big as the Professor described." Kenneth pondered. "I don't even know what the request could be. If I get lost out here, I hope they're prepared for an international incident."
Kenneth was broken out of his thoughts by a faint melody. "What's that? Some kind of string instrument? What did the Professor say...'follow the music'. Nothing else to do, I suppose."
He followed the sound through a path of trees, and eventually emerged to a mesmerizing sight. There was the lake, surrounded on all sides by a sea of trees. A single cabin sat close to the other side. He peered out into the lake, and found the source of the music.
There was a middle-aged woman, with red hair and flower-print clothing, ankle-deep in the water. She held a shamisen, similarly decorated in a flower pattern, and from it, echoed out a somber tone.
"...excuse me, Miss? You are Miu Hanazaki, yes?" Kenneth called out.
The woman turned to look. For a moment, she appeared startled. The sight of a dark-haired young man standing by the lake shore was a familiar one to her.
"Miss? Is something wrong?"
"No, no. I'm sorry. I just had this sudden sense of deja vu. I don't get many visitors up here. But yes, you're right. I'm the Miu Hanazaki you're looking for. Hana is fine. And you must be Kenneth, yes? My apple blossom said you'd be coming. I hope my playing wasn't too bad. I'm a bit out of practice, you see."
"I didn't notice. The Professor said you needed my skillset?"
"Oh, yes. Give me a moment. You can have a seat over at the cabin, I'll be right over."
Kenneth did as instructed, and sat down at a small table outside of the cabin, which itself also boasted many flower-themed decorations. A flower garden sat next to the building.
"Apologies if this was out of the way, dear. Probably why I don't have many guests." Hana walked over.
"I appreciated the hike. I can see why someone would want to live out here. It's a breathtaking sight to wake up to every morning. Professor Kubo said that this was an important place for your family." Kenneth replied.
"It's the most important. She was actually born here, beneath a cherry blossom tree. That one, to be exact." Hana pointed to a tree a good distance away. "So many family trips were made to this place. Ringo exchanged vows with Rose here. And...this is where I fell in love with her father. And on that note, my request."
"You see...I recently reconnected with my husband's family. We drifted apart after he...he passed. They live far away from here, and so his sister has to come some distance to visit his grave." she explained. "When we met a few weeks ago, she expressed that she wanted something to honor him. Something they could pay tribute to whenever the time to do so came. A proper memorial. Something with his likeness. A bust. And so, my Ringo suggested..."
"Ms. Hana...are you asking me to make a bust of your husband?" Kenneth asked.
"My apple blossom tells me that your skill with stonework is superb. I know this is a personal request, but she had faith. That look on your face tells me you have concerns."
"It isn't that I don't believe in my own ability. But...this is a deeply personal request. Emotionally charged. I've had people tell me that I'm overtly serious. Unemotional at times. I don't know if I'm the right person for something so important."
"Ringo did say that you've had personality problems in the past. I heard about what Jin and Tenko did to adjust your attitude. And how concerned she is about how much you isolate yourself. Being honest, I can understand that last point. But she was confident that you could do this. Are you telling me that my daughter is mistaken?"
"I'm not saying that, but--"
Hana giggled. "Don't look so serious. I can understand your hesitation. It's deeply personal. But my daughter has faith in your abilities. So, would you be willing to fulfill a lonely old woman's request?"
Kenneth thought on it. "...Miss Hana. I would be honored to do what you ask. But I will need your help. If it isn't too painful, would you be willing to tell me more about your husband? If I can understand who he was as a person, it would make it easier to properly capture his spirit."
"Dear boy, I would love nothing more than to spend all day gushing about my Kaito. If you'll allow me a few minutes to brew up some tea, I'll be happy to talk your ear off."
"Tea with a lakeside view sounds lovely. Consider it a deal."
"Thank you so much, Kenneth. My apple blossom's instincts are never wrong. Make yourself comfortable, dear. We have a lot to discuss~."
Hana went inside. Kenneth remained seated, deep in thought. "(What is the Professor thinking? The trouble I've caused, and she entrusts me with capturing her father's likeness in stone? Am I really the right person for something so personal? What could she be up to...)"
Hana returned shortly after with the tea. "So...where to begin. This is how I most remember Kaito. The way he was when I first met him." She handed him a picture of a young, dark-haired man, posing for the camera while holding his glasses. Kenneth looked closely. Last year, when the class made their way to the depths of the underworld, they encountered a young man who greatly resembled the one in the photo. But that was Tohru Kubo, Rin's elder brother. Still, Kenneth noted the physical resemblance.
"I can see where the Professor's propensity for eyewear comes from. When was this taken?"
"This is from 1994. A little after he graduated college, and right before we were married. I'd met him two years earlier. A few days before Valentine's Day, in fact. My handsome college boy."
"How did the two of you meet?"
"Well. Shortly before, I moved out here to get away from my family after a falling out. To this same cabin. I held concerts to keep myself afloat, and in my spare time I moved around town, playing my shamisen. One day, I was playing next to a sandwich shop, and this one chap came by and left me some change. This same chap kept returning for about a week after. This in spite of him dealing with his own financial difficulties. He was going through school and trying to refurbish his family's market along with his sister."
"And despite that busy and costly life, he would come by and offer his gratitude."
"He was such a generous, kind man. Always was. He was thankful to have someone help with all of his stress. I helped him out after that. Used my family's luck with gambling and won enough money for him to finish the renovations."
"Kindness without thinking. I can see where the Professor gets it from. This market he inherited, is it the same one that your eldest currently runs? What with his...unique selection of fruits."
"I can assure you that the selection was unique long before Hyōtan was even born."
"I had the...privilege?...of consuming one, last year. Spent a good part of the day in a depressed state. Where does someone even find fruits like that?"
"Ahahaha, sorry, Kenneth. But it's a family secret. The forest spirits wouldn't be happy if we told anyone else~."
"I'll take that as my cue to avoid the subject. By the way, while we're on the subject, the flower shop next door? The one Ms. Rose--"
"Dr. Rose, Kenneth."
"Yes, of course. I beg your pardon. Dr. Rose was in charge of that store until recently. You bought it back after selling your pachinko parlor to Mrs. Kagetora. All of that is correct, yes?"
"Certainly is."
"Okay. Why?"
"Just felt like the perfect time. Shūjo has been expanding his investments lately, and that parlor once belonged to his grandfather. I'd been encouraging Rose to use her knowledge to help people, and when the counselor position at the Academy opened up, I knew she was right for it. And truthfully, I'd been missing my peaceful little flower shop. Everything aligned perfectly, and so here we are. Only downside is having my son next door, checking on me every chance he has. 'Just making sure you're still breathing, Ma! Need me to get you some lunch?' And he still does even when I tell him no."
"Seems to me it's a family trait. Your children inherited their father's spirit."
Hana paused. "I suppose so. My oldest and youngest did, at least. I'm grateful for that. My middle child, on the other hand..."
"The Professor told us about him. That he was...problematic."
"It's certainly one way of putting it. He was..." Hana fell silent once more.
"Miss Hana?"
"...I shouldn't beat around the bush anymore. Tohru was a brilliant young man. But he was defiant. Resentful. He loathed each one of us. Ringo especially. The only one who could keep him reigned in was Kaito. His father was the only one he respected. With him gone, Tohru just kept getting worse."
"That must have been extremely difficult. Raising three children alone, one having serious behavioral problems."
"Kenneth...from what Ringo has told me, you remind her of him."
"I...I do."
"Tohru was a loner by nature. He kept to his room for most of the time he was home. He was gifted, yes, but disrespectful and rude, too. Never wanted anything to do with anyone else. He had no need for anyone else. I can count the number of times he went with us on family trips on one hand. And when he did, he made sure that nobody had any measure of enjoyment. He was going to make you leave him alone."
"....."
"You've been very respectful to me so far. That is much more than I can say about my younger son. And seeing as how I live up in a mountain alone, I shouldn't be one to knock solitude. I know my blossom wouldn't ask you to help with such a personal task if she believed that you were one and the same. But she would be lying if she didn't express the similarities."
Kenneth remained pensive.
"Oh, dear, I'm sorry if I offended you. Hardly the way to start discussions. I've said more than my fair share about my son. This is about my husband. A man so kind and understanding, even Tohru minded his behavior around him. Says so much about Kaito that losing him led to so much more anguish down the line."
"That it does. And I wasn't offended by the comparison. I know better than anyone how I am. Still, to hear that I remind the Professor of the brother she resents..."
"I never said she resented him."
"I merely assumed as much, given everything I've heard."
"It's one of the things I'm so proud of my daughter for. Even after everything he put her through--nearly pushing her to take her own life, no less--she's never expressed any sort of hatred or resentment towards him. She still loves him. Her father was much the same way. He wasn't one to hold a grudge. And I believe in my heart that he wouldn't want Ringo to bear any anger towards her brother. She knows fully well what lingering hatred can do to a person's heart. That hatred is what led her brother to his grave. If you hold onto hate for so long, it spreads. Consumes everything that you are, until only hate is left. That's no way to live, Kenneth. My Kaito put it best. 'A life spent holding onto hate is no life at all.' It helped me to let go of my issues with my own family. If fate had allowed, I'm sure he would have done the same for Tohru. But fate is unkind."
"Your husband sounds like a true gentleman, Miss Hana. I'm not sure if I could ever capture that essence in my work. Or in anything, for that matter."
"You still have many years to go, Kenneth. You won't know unless you try. We can take it one step at a time. You have a pen and paper with you?"
"As any artist does."
"Jot down your first impression. Then you'll know what to work on."
"Alright. Time to give it the old college try, as they say..."
---
A few hours passed. Kenneth remained seated outside, dutifully jotting down sketch after sketch, trying to get the facial features perfected. Several balled-up papers scattered on the table were a testament to his dissatisfaction.
"I hope you don't mind a vegan lunch." Hana appeared holding a salad.
"Oh trust me, after many months of being forced to stomach the Valkyrie Lady's hormone-fueled concoctions, I welcome anything as simple as a salad." Kenneth replied.
Hana noted the crumpled up papers. "Certainly keeping yourself busy."
"An artist is never satisfied with their first attempt. I have to know exactly what I need to do. Fixing an imperfection isn't as simple as applying an eraser to a paper. This is hardened stone I'm working with. I can't say this isn't immensely stressful. Although, looking out at such a pristine view helps to keep my mind at ease. But I'm still no closer to a blueprint I can be content with. Maybe if I had a clearer vision of what he was really like..."
Hana thought on it. "Okay. I wanted to avoid the subject, but..."
"Miss Hana, please, don't cause yourself discomfort for my sake."
"Bottling it up helps no one. I want you to really understand who he was, and why he was so important. So here it is. September 22, 2011. The day everything began falling apart."
"It was, as the old adage goes, just like any other day. It was a weekday, so business was limited to older couples. Ringo was with us, out of school because she was sick. Kaito was chatting for a while with a couple of regulars. Nothing at all out of the ordinary. And then, someone else walked in. A teenaged boy with a hood over his head. As soon as he caught sight of Kaito, he brought his hand out of his pocket. I knew what that meant. I ducked behind the counter with Ringo. Even then, Kaito got in front, put his hands up and tried to talk this boy down. They say that people show their real colors when death is staring them in the face. And with a weapon pointed right at him, he was keeping us safe. Tried to stop this young man from making an enormous mistake. And his last words?"
"'Frankly speaking, you've probably got more money than we do.'"
"I...don't have the words. He was joking with this boy?" Kenneth asked.
"That was him. Even when I first met him, he would get so flustered and try to make a corny joke. In his mind, he probably wanted to diffuse the situation. But it just made this boy so frustrated that he pulled the...the..."
"Please, don't. I'm sorry for making you remember something so--"
"You have to understand, Kenneth. Everything started falling apart after it happened. Hyōtan fell into a life of crime. Ringo began sinking into a prolonged depression and nearly took her own life. And Tohru...I lost him to darkness. I tried everything I could to keep them together, but my own pain was too great. He wasn't there to make everything right. To bring everyone down to Earth when it became so extreme. He followed me around because I calmed his nerves. But in the end, he was the real calming presence. I want that to be what you capture, Kenneth. The good, down-to-earth air that kept everyone sane. That was my Kaito. The college boy I brought up here and played for..."
"There is something else I want you to understand, Kenneth. How old are you?"
"I turned sixteen not that long ago." he replied.
"The boy who shot my husband was only fourteen. My son was fifteen when he passed. My daughter was fourteen when she attempted suicide. You're still young, and so full of promise. And you have a group of other wonderful young people around you. Don't spend your days locked away from them. Life is far too short. Indulge in your talents, but give the people you care about as much time as you can. Because all that love, and all that promise, can be taken away in an instant. I should be living out my years with the man I love, here where so much of our lives happened. Instead, he's gone. And I'm here alone. Do you get what I'm trying to say?"
"...I think I do, Miss Hana. I lived most of my life in depraved isolation, resentful towards anyone and everyone I came across. With all of that anger gone...I'm still not sure what's left. But I can say that...I think I have a good idea of what to do now. And why the Professor did this. I'll do a few more mockups, and I'll get your opinion on them."
"Take as much time as you need, dear. I won't complain about spending some extra time in the mountain air. Call me over when you want to."
---
Late afternoon arrived. "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Hana. I'm sorry I can't stay longer, but I don't know if wandering around a mountain with sundown approaching is a good idea." Kenneth said.
"No need for apologies. I'm thankful for the company. And getting to share the love of my life with someone. I hope I'm not putting too big of a burden on your shoulders."
"I think I have a strong vision now for what to do. I'll start work on it tomorrow. Hopefully by the end of the week I'll have something you and your sister-in-law can be happy with. Something that properly conveys the essence of the man." Kenneth bowed. "Thank you again for your words. Have a good night, Miss Hana."
"Thank you so much, Kenneth. Safe travels back home. Good night."
Kenneth proceeded down the mountain. "(She certainly gave me plenty to think about. 'Life is short'. So simple, and yet...)" he pondered.
Back inside of her cabin, Hana sat on her couch, holding a framed photo. It was of her and Kaito, embracing and kissing each other while standing in the lake, in what looked to be wedding garb. "Oh, Kaito...my dearest college boy..." She gave a light smile.
---
August 26, 2029
"Well...it's starting to look human, I suppose." 
Afternoon at the Academy. In a shop room close to the auditorium, Kenneth was at work. Having been chipping away at a stone slab for several hours, the floor around him was littered with pieces of rock. It was slow and careful progress, but it had already taken on a vaguely head-like shape.
"I'm getting the sneaking suspicion that I'll be having a few sleepless nights coming up..." he sighed. 
His moment of tranquility was interrupted by a knock at the door. "Someone else here? Who could that be..."
The door opened. "Howdy, Kenny. Hope you don't mind me dropping by to see what you're up to." Barbara said.
"Not at all. But how did you know I was here?"
"Keeb told me you were working here. I just got done with rehearsal so I was already around."
"Finished with rehearsal? Wait...what time is it?"
"It's close to 4."
"4 o'clock already?! Ugh, I haven't checked the time since I started working. Haven't eaten all day, either. Blast my intensity."
"Hey, can't blame an artist for getting laser-focused. I ended up skipping lunch, too. How about I order something?" Barbara took out her phone. "Oh...it's not too much trouble, is it? I know you don't like having your work interrupted."
"It's...alright. I needed a break. Thank you for the thought."
"Wait, really?"
"Absolutely. I'm no starving artist."
"....."
"...was it that bad?"
"No, no, I'm just...not used to hearing you try to joke. Are you feeling okay?"
"I'm alright. I've just been given a lot to think about as of late."
"You want to talk about it? If it's okay, I really don't want to be annoying."
"Is that really how everyone thinks I'll react to a spot of company?" Kenneth pondered. "Of course. I have only myself to blame for that. Please have a seat. I don't mind."
"Okay..." Barbara sat down. "So what's the big project? Has to be important if you're out of your room."
"It's incredibly important. A personal request from the Professor and her family. I've been tasked with making a memorial bust of her late father. Her father's relatives live far away from where he's buried, and they want something they can pay their respects to much more easily."
"Oh, wow. That's a lot bigger than I was thinking. I can see why you'd be so focused on it."
"It's a monumental task, no pun intended. It took me all day yesterday to sketch an image I thought properly captured who he was as a person, after everything the Professor's mother told me about him. And as I said before, she gave me plenty to think over. About how I should conduct myself, and how I should be living my life."
"And how do you think you should be acting?"
"...I don't know. Before coming here, all I had in me was resentment and anger towards people. With all that gone, I don't know what's left. All I have is my work. I feel so awkward whenever we're together as a group, or even if it's just one other person. I'm not the social butterfly that you and Caroline and Sahir are. I don't know how to relate to other people. But I also know that I can't remain a lone wolf forever. Life is far too short. I think, more than anything else, that's what the Professor wanted me to gain from doing this."
"You've got us, Kenny. We'll help you out however you want. That's what our crazy little family is all about. You don't have to keep everything bottled up. Maybe it's on us for not bringing you along more, but we've just wanted you to have your space."
"And I'm appreciative of that. But once this project is complete, I want to work on opening myself up to everyone else."
"I think everyone would like that. So how much longer do you think it's gonna take?"
"I'm hopeful of finishing it by the end of the week. I'm not as much of a speed demon as Natalia when it comes to work, but I'm pleased with how it's coming along so far."
"Would you be able to finish it by week's end if, say, you took one day off on Wednesday?"
"Why Wednesday, specifically?" Kenneth had a realization. "Drat...that's right. Kibō's birthday. I'll see where I'm at by that time, but...gah. After all that. This is an important project, but it would look problematic if I wasn't there with everyone, wouldn't it? But I don't want to rush it, make a mistake and have to start all over. What to do..."
"I won't pressure you into doing anything. Life is a balancing act. You know what helps with thinking things over?"
"I can guess...food?"
"Bingo~. Got a hankering for anything in particular?"
"I'm fine with anything. Within reason. Suppose I can work a little bit longer while we wait."
"You wouldn't mind me staying around and watching?"
"Not at all. But I would feel bad if I'm keeping you from something important."
"Nah, I'd just be sitting in my room by myself. Kat's spending the day with Care again."
"Curious, that. But not my business. Back to work, then. With an audience."
---
August 29, 2029
Late afternoon at the Academy dorms. Kibō was staring into the bathroom mirror, trying in vain to put his ahoge down. After a few seconds, it would pop back up. He sighed. "Some day, but not today."
Meanwhile, in his room, Kenneth sat on his bed, silently gazing at the covered-up bust sitting on his table. "....."
"Hey, Kenneth, I'm heading ou--" Kibō peered through his door. "Hm? You doing alright in there?"
"Perfectly fine. Just...thinking. Putting things into perspective. Is there room for one more at this get-together?" Kenneth asked.
"Seriously? But I thought you still had this big project for the Professor."
"I do. And I think I understand now what she's been trying to tell me. Do you remember how it felt after Caroline was hurt last year?"
"Of course. Scared, angry, worried. Wanting to find the one who did it, not knowing if she was going to make it."
"Precisely. That fear that the person you care about won't be there anymore. Only recently has it begun to sink in just how close we've all come to meeting our end, time and again. The idea that one of us could die at any moment, and the hole it would leave in so many lives. The Professor...she knows more than most just how painful and damaging sudden loss can be. And what a life of purposeful isolation can do to a person's heart. That's what she wanted from me through this project. To realize that."
"That's a lot to have to think about. But I get where you're coming from. And just talking about tonight, is she going to be alright with a small delay?"
"I asked her that very same question. All she did was smirk and say that she'd already told her aunt to come on Sunday to retrieve the bust. She had counted on this from the beginning. So, I'm going to ask again...is there room for one more?"
"Of course. Just don't be surprised when Kat greets you with a bit of snark."
"Have I ever been? Ah, but before we go..." Kenneth retrieved a box from his table. "Wouldn't be fair if only one of our number had one of these, would it?"
"Oh, boy." Kibō opened the box. "Holy...wow." It was a figurine of Kibō, garbed in an a gray armored cloak, standing and holding a sword with its blade planted over the ground.
"Stature and posture befitting the bravest of all the knights, wouldn't you agree?" Kenneth asked.
"I'm speechless. I really don't know what to say aside from 'thank you', but this is something awesome. Thanks, man. I actually look imposing."
"You mean that chucking a man over your shoulder by itself isn't imposing? Please. I'm only reflecting what's already there. Now how about we not keep the others waiting much longer?"
"That would be a good idea. Don't want to keep our troupe away from dinner."
The two exited their dormroom. "You should probably know that your girlfriend played no small part in convincing me to come along. Particularly with sending me numerous texts about whether I would be making it." Kenneth said.
"Well, that's Barb for you. She doesn't take no for an answer. I heard she tried to help Nat out with my cake and it...didn't end well." Kibō replied.
"I'm sure I'll be hearing about it at dinner. Is it just our sordid band, or will your parents be making the trip?"
"Just gonna be us. If it was the weekend, you can bet Mom would've sprinted over here. But she's made up for it with..." Kibō checked his phone. The call list showed numerous calls from 'Mom' scattered throughout the day. "Plenty of attention."
"Well, you can only change so much. At least she isn't breaking into our apartment. Or stealing my breakfast."
Outside, the rest of the class were waiting. "Sorry to keep you all waiting." Kibō said.
"There's the birthday boy~! And what do you know, look who else came along." Barbara chimed.
"Don't look so stunned." Kenneth replied.
"Well what do you know, he popped out of his shell. Anyone want to check his pulse?" Kat asked.
"I assure you I am very much alive, Katherine. I simply couldn't refuse dinner and getting to spend an inordinate amount of time with your smirking face."
"All work and no play makes Kenny a dull boy, I'm guessing? Never thought I'd see it." Max commented.
"One of these days, I'm going to understand one of your references." Sakuya uttered.
"Aw, come on, I can't be the only one who knows my Stephen King movies."
"It's the one with the clown, right?" Sahir asked.
"You're thinking of It, Kicks. But this one has a clown, too..." Kat replied, faintly blushing.
"I must say, I'm surprised to see you spending free time away from work, Kenneth. Have your own change of heart?" Carrie asked, as the others continued squabbling.
"Something to that effect. Everyone needs a breather with friends once in a while. The prospect of cake never hurts either." Kenneth replied.
"Yeah. Cake never hurts." uttered Natalia, her face shadowed by her hoodie.
"Ah, I'd heard that there was a bit of difficulty involved in the baking. I take it that's the reason for the secrecy?"
"Come on, I wasn't that bad! How was I supposed to know that frosting could do that to someone's eyebrows?" Barbara questioned.
"Regretting your decision yet?" Kibō asked.
Kenneth snickered. "Shockingly, no. Not in the least."
---
September 2, 2029
Morning on Mt. Shirayuki. Kenneth sat at the table outside the cabin, glancing out at the lake. The bust, covered by a cloth, was perched atop the table. Kenneth was visibly exhausted.
"I can tell from your face exaxtly how you spent yesterday." Rin arrived.
"Ah, good morning, Professor. Is my tired state really so obvious? I spent all of yesterday making sure it was absolutely perfect. I hope that it meets your family's expectations. Although, given everything your mother has told me, I don't know if I could do your father the proper justice."
"I'm sure you did a great job. I hope you're prepared for some emotion once my aunt gets here. My dad's passing is still a sensitive subject for everyone."
"I can assume as much. Professor...I think I know why you wanted me to help with this. To really understand how precious life is, and how we should spend every moment we can with the ones we care about. Tell me...did you know that I would be forced to choose between work and celebrating with the others?"
"I haven't the slightest idea what you could mean." Rin replied with a smirk. "But if you've come to realize that, then I'm satisfied. I'd give anything to be able to spend one more moment with the ones I've lost. My dad, Miko...heh. Even Tohru. But I know as well as anyone just how fragile life can be." She rubbed her arms. "Even after what happened to Carrie those months ago. The worst can happen when you least expect it, Kenneth. Make every moment count."
"I'll try to do just that. Starting once I leave here. Kathe--Kat wanted to have lunch with me later. She's been in a strangely bright mood as of late. Prior to this week I would've gone straight home to rest. But perhaps my heart has grown a few sizes."
"There's our diligent artist. Sitting in his new favorite spot." Hana exited the cabin. "Oh, my. And what do we have here? A blossom blooming early~?"
"Mooooom." Rin groaned.
"Heeeeeey, Sissiiiiiie--" A man suddenly appeared behind Rin in a creeping manner. She grabbed his face.
"It's too early for this, Tan." Rin replied.
"Yow! That better not bruise!" He held his face. Hyōtan, Tan for short, was a well-built man with tribal tattoos, wild black hair, a goatee, and a black stud in his left ear. He was Rin's older brother, and managed the family market that their father had inherited.
"You know better than to sneak up on your sister like that, Hyōtan." Hana said.
"Um, Mr. Kubo? My friend wanted to know about--" Kenneth began asking.
"Don't finish that sentence! It's the cat girl, ain't it?! Tell her the mix tape'll be done when it's done! You can't rush greatness!" Tan bellowed back.
"Straight from the horse's mouth." Rin mumbled.
"Ahem." Behind Tan appeared an older bespectacled woman with graying hair. 
"Good morning, Auntie Rei. I hope the hike wasn't too strenuous." Rin said.
"Well it's not my legs seizing up on me. I'd be more worried about Mr. Masculine here being such a slowpoke." Rei replied.
"I was slowing down for you, Auntie! Look at these calves! I've got alpha-class metabolism!" Tan retorted.
"Riiiight. If anything, you can blame your mother for living so remotely."
"Still as chippy as always, Reiko." Hana said.
"Anyway. This is the sculptor, Ringo? Looks a bit green to me."
"Looks can be deceiving, Auntie. Kenneth is a highly gifted artist. You don't get into the Academy by accident. Do you want to do the honors?" Rin replied.
"Suppose I've no other options now. The moment of truth has arrived." Kenneth sighed. "I hope I did the man a modicum of justice."
Kenneth removed the cloth. The head and shoulders of one Kaito Kubo, replicated perfectly in stone, emerged from beneath the fabric. Most apparent was his easy expression, with a light, calming smile.
"Oh..." Rei put a hand over her mouth. She put a hand on the bust. "Kai...God, I missed that face..."
Hana looked shaken. She, too, put a hand to her mouth. "What do you think, Ms. Hana?" Kenneth asked.
"...it's him...it's how he always looked...how I always remember his face..." Hana put both hands on the bust. "I thought I was done shedding tears for the man. Every time I think that...I get proven wrong."
"Awk...I'm gonna lose it...it's like the old man never left..." Tan muttered.
"You...Kenneth, was it?" Rei asked.
"Yes, madame." Kenneth replied.
"Thank you. Thank you thank you thank you. For giving him back to me. Now the family can pay their respects properly. How can I ever repay you?"
"I don't need any sort of payment. I gained plenty from this experience. It was an honor."
"Kenneth, dear boy...thank you. From the bottom of my heart." Hana said.
"No, Ms. Hana. Thank you." Kenneth turned to Rin. "Did I do a good job, Professor?"
Rin lifted her glasses to wipe a tear from her eye. "Wondeful, Kenneth. Absolutely wonderful. It's how I always remember him being. I couldn't have asked for anything more. I'm so glad I asked you."
"Not tooting my own horn, or anything..." Tan quipped. Rin grabbed his face again.
"Anyway, is that your cue to go, Kenneth? The waterworks could be a bit awkward, admittedly." Rin asked.
"The 'waterworks' is the tell that I've done my job. As for whether I'll be going...I think I'll stay for a bit longer. Not many chances to look at a morning like this. Life is short, after all." Kenneth replied.