The Blind Love Life of the Returning Hero: The Companions I Lost in Another World Resurrect in the Modern Era and Indulge Me - Episode 50

Using Riri’s long vacation as an opportunity, Hayato decided to take her on a trip back to his hometown in Kyushu. Watching the scenery stream past the window of the bullet train, Hayato thought to himself:

“It’s really been a long time since I’ve been home.”

Even when he returned from the other world, he hadn’t gone back. And before that, he’d avoided it for a long time, using work as an excuse to stay away.

Although he kept in touch through phone calls and messages, it had been years since he’d seen his family face to face. Including the time he spent in the other world, it felt like decades had passed in his mind.

It wasn’t that he had a bad relationship with them, but the physical distance between Tokyo and Kyushu had gradually created an emotional one as well. Now, with the important purpose of announcing his engagement to Riri, he finally made up his mind to return.

“What are your parents like?” Riri asked, eyes full of curiosity and anticipation.

Since they were Hayato’s parents, she was sure they couldn’t be bad people.

“My dad… well, he’s not the most expressive person. But I think he’s actually kind at heart. My mom’s cheerful and loves taking care of others.”

After getting off the bullet train and switching to a local line, they finally arrived at Hayato’s hometown station. As they exited the ticket gate, they were wrapped in a nostalgic atmosphere. It was different from the noisy bustle of the city — the air felt familiar, and it filled their lungs.

“This smell… It really feels like I’m back.”
“The smell of the sea. It’s nothing like Tokyo.”

Riri took a deep breath alongside Hayato, seeming to enjoy the fresh air.

They took a taxi to his family home. The scenery outside the car window looked slightly different from what Hayato remembered. A few new buildings had sprung up, and many old stores had closed. Counting the time he spent in the other world, more than ten years had passed. That sense of time made the changes in his hometown feel even more vivid.

When they arrived at his parents’ house, the front door opened and his mother came out to greet them. She was now in her mid-fifties, and strands of gray hair had begun to appear.

“I’m home.”
“Hayato! You’re finally back!”

Smiling broadly, his mother rushed over and hugged him. Hayato didn’t hesitate to return the embrace.

“You’ve really grown strong!”

She was surprised by how muscular he’d become. Then, she turned her gaze to the young woman standing beside him.

“And this must be…”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Riri Takahashi.”

Riri bowed politely. She wore a soft-colored dress chosen specifically for this occasion, giving off a graceful impression.

“Oh my, what a lovely young lady! Hayato told me about you, but you’re even more wonderful than I imagined. Come in, come in!”

Taking Riri by the hand, his mother led them into the house. The familiar smell of the entryway, the creaking of the hallway floor — everything brought back memories for Hayato.

In the living room, his father was sitting and watching TV. When Hayato entered, he gave him a brief glance.

“So you’re back.”
“Yeah, I’m home.”

His father’s voice was as deep and expressionless as ever. But Hayato understood now — this was his father’s way of welcoming him. In the past, he’d thought maybe his father didn’t care for him, but his experiences in the other world had helped him see his father in a new light.

“Let me introduce you. This is Riri Takahashi — my fiancée.”

Riri bowed deeply.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m sorry for visiting so suddenly.”

His father gave a small nod.

“Welcome. No need to keep standing, please have a seat.”

From his tone, Hayato could sense a subtle kindness.

“What about my brother and sister?”

Hayato asked, and his mother replied.

“Oh, both of them have moved out. Naoki’s working in Osaka, and Misaki is attending university in Fukuoka.”
“I see…”

Looking at the shelf displaying old family photos, Hayato felt the passage of time. Since he had left home, his younger siblings had grown and started their own lives. He felt a slight twinge of guilt for not paying more attention to that.

“Actually, we came here today because we have something important to tell you.”

Sitting upright, Hayato looked at both his parents. Riri also sat properly beside him, her expression serious and full of resolve.

“As I mentioned on the phone, we’ve decided to get married.”
“I see.”

His father’s response was curt as usual. But his eyes held a warm light.

“Hayato told me all about you, Riri. He said you’re a wonderful young lady.”

His mother held Riri’s hand warmly — her feelings of welcome were clear.

“Please take care of me, Mother.”
“Oh my, calling me ‘Mother’ already? That’s a bit embarrassing. But I’m happy. Let’s take care of each other.”

She smiled brightly.

Once the conversation settled, his mother made a suggestion.

“Since you’re here, why don’t you stay the night? We have a room ready.”
“Ah, well… actually, we already booked a hotel.”

Hayato hesitated, wondering if they should cancel, but his mother quickly smiled.

“I see. The hotel might be more comfortable, especially for the two of you.”

“Let’s talk a bit more before we go, Mother. I’d love to hear more about Hayato.”

Riri jumped in quickly, and his mother responded cheerfully.

“Leave that to me. I’ve got lots to tell you!”
“Just don’t bring up anything too embarrassing, okay?”

Hayato protested, but his mother laughed joyfully.

The afternoon passed in a warm, pleasant atmosphere. His mother brought out photo albums and showed Riri pictures from Hayato’s childhood.

“This is Hayato as a baby.”
“How adorable! I can’t believe this is you, Hayato!”

Riri’s eyes sparkled as she looked through the album.

“Mom, Riri, that’s enough already…”

Hayato, embarrassed, was ignored as the two continued chatting happily.

“This one’s from his elementary school sports day. He came in first place.”
“That’s amazing, Hayato!”
“It’s really not that big a deal…”

Time flew by, and as evening approached, they began to prepare to leave.

“Today was truly wonderful. Will you come again?”
“Yes, absolutely.”

At the front door, his mother hugged Riri once more. She had instantly grown fond of her, and already felt sad to see her go.

“See you, Dad.”
“Yeah. Come again.”

Their parting was simple, but Hayato saw the hope in his father’s eyes — he might not say it aloud, but he was looking forward to Hayato’s next visit.

Hayato and Riri got into a taxi and headed to the hotel.

“Looks like my mom and dad really liked you.”
“Your mother said I’m already part of the family.”
“Yeah, I can imagine her saying that.”

They checked into the nearby hotel. As they passed the front desk, Hayato looked around in surprise.

“This place is nicer than I expected.”
“Yes, it’s lovely. A wonderful hotel.”

The hotel had recently been renovated. The modern, clean white decor was complemented by displays of local traditional crafts.

“This place existed even before I left town. I had no idea it had gotten so nice.”

From their room, they could see the sea. The sun was just setting over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the water.

“What a beautiful view.”
“Yeah. I never saw it like this before. I didn’t have a reason to stay in a hotel around here.”

They unpacked and had dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. The meal, featuring fresh local seafood, was exceptional — sashimi, tempura, and regional specialties.

“Delicious!”
“I’m glad you think so. I feel like I’m rediscovering the charm of my hometown.”

After dinner, they returned to their room. The night view from the window was different from the sunset but equally stunning. The gentle sound of the waves reached their ears.

“Hayato.”
“Yeah?”
“Your parents are really wonderful people.”
“Yeah. I hadn’t been in touch much for a long time.”
“I’m sure they were always worried about you.”
“Yeah… maybe I did make them worry.”

Hayato fell into thought at Riri’s words.

“I think I’ll try to visit more often from now on.”
“That sounds like a great idea. I’ll come with you.”

The next morning, the two woke early and went for a walk around Hayato’s hometown. In the crisp morning air, Hayato guided Riri.

“That’s the elementary school I went to. The building’s been rebuilt.”

The old building had been replaced, but the large camphor tree in the schoolyard was still there. Just seeing it brought back vivid memories.

“We used to play here all the time — tag, bug catching…”
“I can picture it. A little boy full of energy running around.”

Riri smiled happily.

Next, they visited a seaside park. The ocean sparkled in the morning sunlight.

“I used to come here a lot as a kid.”

The sea breeze was refreshing. Riri squinted into the distance, gazing at the waves.

“You grew up looking at this view.”
“Yeah. But honestly, I never appreciated it back then. It was just normal to me.”

Some things are only understood after leaving them behind. Hayato now truly felt the truth in those words.

“Including the time in the other world, it really feels like a lifetime has passed.”

They sat on a bench in the park. Seabirds cried out in the distance.

“Hayato, what were you like as a child?”
“Just a regular kid. Didn’t like studying much, played with my friends a lot.”
“Your mom said you had a strong sense of justice. Tell me more about that.”

“Uh, well… maybe I did?”

Hayato, a little embarrassed, began sharing stories from his childhood — school adventures, fights with his siblings, memories of family trips.

They had lunch at a small diner in the shopping district Hayato had known since childhood.

“Welcome… oh! Hayato?!”

The shopkeeper, a friend’s mother, looked surprised. She had known Hayato since he was small.

“Long time no see.”
“You’ve grown so much! And you brought a lady with you?”
“This is my fiancée, Riri.”
“Oh my! What a lovely young lady. You’re a lucky man, Hayato.”

As they enjoyed the nostalgic flavors of a set meal, Hayato was reminded of his hometown’s warmth. In the afternoon, they visited a local shrine. After climbing the long stone steps, they arrived at the solemn shrine grounds.

“I used to come here for New Year’s.”
“It’s beautiful. A shrine with real history.”

After purifying their hands, they prayed together at the main hall.

“What did you wish for?”
“It’s a secret… but mostly about us. And my friends, too.”
“Me too,” Riri said with a smile.

On the bullet train home, Riri leaned on Hayato, her expression peaceful and content.

“Your hometown is lovely. I’m really glad I came.”
“Me too. Because of you, I feel like I’ve reconnected with my family.”

“Let’s make visiting regularly a tradition.”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”

Just as Riri said, Hayato realized it was time to start visiting more often. Now that he’d rediscovered the importance of family and home, he could finally see his hometown with new eyes — and appreciate it as something truly worth cherishing.