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/10 years later/
H era completely dissolved and back again at the normal governance. Not gonna lie, that was the best era. It was less violent but it's pretty noisy due to rap battles but still thanks to it, the next minister knows what to do know and how to maintain the peace it brought. While transitioning to the new era, some team broke up, some said their goodbyes, some still do friendly competitions and some remained friends or at least in contact.
"Ah yes, thank you. I'd be there the next day anyway. I'll just enjoy my day off today, so please don't bother me"
The now 39-year old policeman, Iruma Jyuto, has finally climbed to the rank enough to purge the drug trade on Yokohama, with a little help from Samatoki's turf. Currently, he's enjoying his walk on the park with his 6-year old beautiful daughter.
"Ah! Pa, look! Ice cream. Let's go"
"Yui, wait"
The young girl jumped and ran in glee, leaving his father behind. Her eyes sparkled as the ice cream vendor crouch down to give her a cone of vanilla and chocolate which she delightedly bites on. Jyuto saw how happy she is and decided to buy one for himself.
"One vanilla ice cream and-- Jyuto?"
The vendor got confused and just gave him a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cop looked at where the voice is coming from and saw his former teammate, Rio.
"Rio?"
He suddenly felt nostalgic and in the verge to cry, he wanted to hold him dearly in his arm again, give him all he wants but all stopped when he saw a ginger-head boy almost the same age as Yui clutching on his camo pants.
Could this be?
/Flashback: 7 years earlier/
"So, is this really the end?" Jyuto questioned his leader, crushing his last stick on the ground.
"Yeah, and besides, we know we're all strong" Samatoki playfully punched Jyuto's arm
"Y'all can still find me in my office or contact me. My men can be seen anywhere in Yokohama, you can ask them too on my whereabouts. And Jyuto, we can see each other on jail too. Why are you so worried?" he crushed his cigarette beneath as well and waved goodbye to the two. He was just trying to escape on not to cry since he hold his words.
"You can visit our apartment sometimes, Nemu would be accompanying you there. Ichiro's brothers are there sometimes. You can play with them or we can have dinner" before disappearing behind the trees and bushes. Samatoki knows what's going to happen next and that what makes hard for Jyuto.
The ex-navy pulled the cop in to his arms. Jyuto couldn't do anything but feel emotional. He removed his eyeglasses before burying his head on Rio's neck.
"Rio, is it really your final decision?"
"Mmh"
"Not gonna stay with me?"
"Sorry" he apologized, lightly brushing the rabbit's hair and tucking it behind his ear. The sound of the leaves brushing against each other, and the small insects filled the silent air.
"But I'll be back. I--"
"Mmh let's end this. Who knows what will happen for the next years. How about having a family? Doesn't that thing cross your mind? We're already at our 30's. Let's man up"
Jyuto pulled off from the hug and held Rio's hand.
"Just someday, let me see you again"
Three days after that conversation, it's Rio's department for training as a navy again. He volunteered on working and serving the country one more time.
/end of flashback/
The two adults sat on the bench, eating their children's leftover ice cream as they watch them play together. The two kids run along the green grass. Yui is a little aggressive like his father, she takes the lead and prefers being in command while Jason is a silent and obedient boy, like his daddy, prefers on following and protecting whoever's with him.
"Your kid's like you" Jyuto chuckled. Rio just looked at him and lick his ice cream.
"More like your child's like you" they both give out a heartily laugh. After calming down, the cop looked at him with curiosity in his eyes.
"Say, what happened to you on the last 7 years?"
"Just navy stuff and..." Rio breathe deeply and heavily sighed.
"I met this lady on board" a sudden sting pierced through Jyuto's heart, but he knows he shouldn't be feeling this.
There was a long moment of silence. When Rio sighed once again, it was the time he's ready to talk.
"She's just like you. Same height. Same smug on the face. Tricky. Even her laugh only reminds me of you" only to make mix him more, Jyuto doesn't know what to say or feel. Whether to be happy because the girl she chose is similar to him or feel bad because he chose a girl that resembles him. The cop let out a long sigh.
"After she announced that she's pregnant. She quit the navy to take care of our child until 5 years..."
Jyuto stopped on chewing the cone and confusingly looked at Rio. His aura suddenly felt heavy.
"They were having a school field trip and the bus they were boarding got into an accident. A lot got injured but luckily my son made it unharmed. Few died, one of them is her. I got home after six months and just recently knew about what happened. Jason just silently hugged me, and her parents couldn't blame me either since it was an accident, and I was uncontactable".
"My condolences"
Rio looked up to his son, carrying the little girl on his back and running around the field. He is much lively now after a few months. His lips formed a small smile.
"Jason's a tough kid. He managed to accept everything without asking why. I owe him a lot"
They both just sit in silence, watching their kids now chasing each other.
"You still a police?" Rio asked, trying to lighten up the mood. Jyuto replied with hum and nod.
"Finally climbed up there. Yokohama's drug trade is clear." Rio smug at him. "Ohoho, congratulations! We should celebrate on that"
"I guess so? I was too focused on my goal that I forgot I made it" Jyuto chuckled softly "How about you? When are you going to board again?"
Rio paused for a moment, recalling something.
"Remember Kannonzaka-san of Matenrou?" he said.
"Hmm? Ah, yes him. Why?"
"I asked him for an available position in their company. Kannonzaka-san helped me in. I quit the navy after the incident to take care of Jason".
"Congratulations on you too. How about let's celebrate it too? We can gather up to Samatoki's place or mine"
"Let's make an appointment. You two are very busy for sure" Rio chuckled. "Ah! The man's hardwork payed off by the way, he ranked up to supervisor now..."
As their conversation continue, the gaps of their seats grew small unknowingly. Their shoulders bumped against each other, sending electric shocks beneath their skin. Without hesitation, Rio grabbed Jyuto's hand, intertwining and locking their fingers together, giving it a little squeeze that says I miss you. The heat of their palm reminded them of how they feel for each other. They know, in the bottom of their hearts, it's still beating for each other. They stayed like that for a little while, just feeling each other because no word's enough to say how much they miss being together.
"Jyuto"
He only sunk into his turtleneck, too flustered to look at his ex whom he, still, loves very much.
"I'm back"
Their moment was cut off when they saw the children running towards them. Their hands quickly unclasped and open their arms to embrace the kids.
"Pa! Jason is a cool guy. He can carry me. He's superb! Can we play again with him again? Please, please, please" Yui pleaded and tugging the edge of his father's shirt. She gestured to let his father lean in for a whisper. Her soft voice made Jyuto shiver and blush.
"Okay, if only they want too. We can arrange an appointment for that." Jyuto pushed his glasses, hiding his face in defeat. The girl cheered and spin around, jumping in merriness.
"Dad, Yui asked for a playdate. I hope we can play again" His dad only smiled and ruffled the little boy's hair. Jason knows he approves.
"You hear that, Jason? We'll see each other again! Let's play water guns next time. That would be really fun" the little girl held the ginger boy's hand and shook it. She hugged him tight and waved goodbye.
"Come on Yui, it's already late. We'll see them again next time don't worry" Jyuto carried his little girl on his back. Before he stepped away, a tug on his sleeve stopped him.
"Do you really need to go now?" His puppy face didn't change at all. Jyuto was left in awe, but he didn't make it look obvious.
"Yeah, someone's still waiting for us at home" he waved his left hand. A small light reflected on a metal plate. Rio couldn't do anything and say his goodbye. His lips curved a bitter smile.
As the cop part away, the ex-navy got up and gave his son a piggyback ride. Jason sure got tired playing with his new friend.
"Dad?"
Rio responded a hum.
"I saw you two holding hands"
It made his dad stopped for a while, caught off guard. His heart raced and it actually made his face heat up from embarrassment.
"Do you like each other?"
Rio couldn't deny what he feels for Jyuto. It's more than just like if he's going to explain it to Jason.
"Hmm, you could say it like that" he just smiled.