I think it would be interesting to see a little more of Matakara and his brother, so I'll leave here an idea that has been on my mind for a while
Short story
It's been some time since Mitsukuni managed to recover, now he and his brother have rented a small apartment so they can be on their own. However, now that it seems like everything is finally settling down, Matakara still can't stop thinking about a subject that still haunts him, so he wants to talk to his brother about it, although he's not entirely sure how he'll take it…
Matakara: Brother…
Mitsukuni: Is something wrong?
Matakara: What would you do if they ever come back?
Mitsukuni: You mean…?
Matakara nodded.
Mitsukuni: Why do you ask so suddenly? It's been a while since the last time.
Matakara: It's just that… I almost don't remember their faces anymore.
Mitsukuni: I guess it's natural, you were very young, even I'm having a hard time doing it.
Matakara: And what do you feel about it?.
Mitsukuni took a moment, the truth was that the subject still affected him more than he was willing to admit, even more so in front of his younger brother.
Mitsukuni: I don't know, honestly, the only thing I care about is that you and I get ahead.
Matakara: I understand, it's just that when I see Ara-chan with his mom or Zabu and Komao with their parents, sometimes I can't help but wonder what it would be like if they were here.
Mitsukuni: Yeah… it's complicated, right? But… try not to get too wrapped up in those thoughts.
Matakara: You're right, it's not worth it, I'm sorry I bothered you with that.
Mitsukuni shook his head.
Mitsukuni: You don't have to apologize, I appreciate your sincerity, maybe… it's healthier than continuing to bury it under the rug. So I ask you to talk to me if you feel that way again.
Matakara: Thank you, brother.
At that moment there was a short silence between the two in which neither of them knew exactly what to say, which made Matakara somewhat uncomfortable. Even if his brother had reacted better than expected, it seemed as if he was keeping something that at this point he was not sure what it would be, until eventually his countenance became more affable, it was there that he realized that he had exaggerated everything, his brother was just undecided.
Mitsukuni: Matakara, do you want to have dinner out? It may sound silly, but I want us to continue making good memories.
Matakara: Are you sure? I have no problem if we just have dinner here.
Mitsukuni: Don't worry, I got some extra pay at work, besides, sometimes I feel like I don't spend enough time with you, we should celebrate that we have each other whenever we can, don't you think?
Matakara: Yes, it's something to be thankful for.