“Coming in!” Ayane’s cheerful voice rang out, the bell chiming as Aoi and Mei followed her inside. “And guess who I brought along?” she grinned, gesturing proudly toward Mei.

Her father, Kota, straightened at once, his expression composed as he stepped forward. “Miss Xue, it’s an honor to meet you.” He bowed deeply, voice carrying a respectful firmness.

Aoi blinked, brows raised at the formality. Mei tilted her head slightly, then waved her hands gently. “Oh, no, please—you don’t need to bow, sir.” She returned the gesture instead with a polite bow of her own. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“R-Right,” Kota stammered, scratching his cheek before glancing at Ayane. “Still, I think it’s only fair to show respect. My daughter’s been talking about you nonstop ever since you moved here. She couldn’t quite figure you out—and it drove her crazy. Honestly, she’s like your biggest fan.”

“Dad!” Ayane squeaked, puffing out her cheeks as her fists balled at her sides. “Why would you say that out loud?”

Kota chuckled, ruffling her hair with a broad hand. Mei’s lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes closed as if savoring the warmth between father and daughter.

Aoi lingered at the edge of the group, brow still raised as a faint sigh slipped past her lips. Those two… honestly. Her gaze drifted toward Mei, who chatted with ease, her calm tone drawing in both Ayane and her father. Aoi’s thoughts flickered back to Kota’s formal bow earlier, and a quiet question pressed at the back of her mind: Just who is this girl? For even Mr. Shirakawa to act like that…

“Anyway,” Ayane broke the moment, looking at her father with a bright grin. “I told them we’d be having Gyūdon tonight. Can I help you with dinner again?”

“Of course,” Kota said with a warm nod.

“Yes!” Ayane cheered before turning to Mei. “Come on, let’s get you settled. Want some water first?”

“Yes, please,” Mei replied gently, following her lead. Aoi stood still, watching their backs with a distant expression. For a moment, old memories threatened to surface, but she shook them off and slid onto one of the barstools.

………..

“Thanks for the food!” they chorused before diving in together.

“This is amazing,” Mei remarked after her first bite, eyes bright. Ayane and Kota exchanged a glance of pure delight, clapping their hands in a victorious high-five.

“Ha! That’s a win for us,” Ayane giggled.

“Glad you think so,” Kota added with a hearty chuckle, placing a plate onto the counter.

“Better have some too,” he encouraged.

“Don’t mind if I do,” Ayane said, tugging off her apron before sliding into the seat beside Aoi, who was already savoring the rich flavors as she dug in.

“Mmh! So good~!” Ayane squealed, pressing a hand to her cheek in delight.

“It really is,” Mei agreed softly, taking another bite.

Kota lifted a jug from the counter. “Would you like some tea?”

“Yes, please. That would be wonderful,” Mei answered with her usual gentle smile. He poured the tea and slid the cup to her, earning a polite nod.

“Dad’s cooking is the best,” Ayane chimed, stuffing her mouth with rice. “It’s all thanks to his secret ingredients.”

“What is it?” Aoi asked between chews.

“Not telling!” Ayane giggled, wagging a finger. Aoi just arched a brow, rolling her eyes before returning to her plate, cheeks puffed with food. Kota watched the exchange with quiet amusement—until his gaze fell on the small plaster wrapped around Aoi’s right hand. His smile softened, eyes dimming with a flicker of concern before he turned away, masking it.

“Finally done,” Aoi announced, pushing back her empty plate.

“Eh?! Already?!” Ayane gawked, jaw dropping.

“I had to eat fast before you decided to drag me off again like this morning,” Aoi replied flatly.

Ayane sweat-dropped. “B-But we don’t even have school at night…”

“That is true,” Mei added with a serene, closed-eye smile.

“Whatever. I’m heading home.” Aoi sighed, rising from her seat. “Thanks again for the meal.” She turned toward the door, her footsteps light but distant.

“Wait, Aoi!” Kota called, stepping out from behind the counter with a small white bag in hand.

She stopped and faced him as he offered it. “Here—instant ramen and a few treats. Take it.”

Aoi blinked, caught off guard. Her fingers brushed the crinkling bag as she accepted it with a small nod. “Oh, um… thank you. Good night.”

“Night, Aoi,” Mei said warmly.

“See you tomorrow!” Ayane mumbled around a mouthful of rice, the bell above the door chiming as Aoi slipped into the night.

The room settled into a quiet hum. Kota resumed wiping down plates, his expression thoughtful. “She’s been through a lot today.”

“Mhm. And you noticed her hand, didn’t you?” Mei murmured, sipping delicately at her tea. “That girl is… peculiar.”

Ayane shifted, eyes dropping to her bowl. Her spoon idly chased a lone grain of rice before she muttered, barely above a whisper, “She’s an idiot.”

The words drew both Kota’s and Mei’s attention. He arched a brow. “That’s rare—hearing something like that from you, Ayane.”

“Well, it’s true,” she replied, folding her arms on the counter and resting her chin atop them, her pout tinged with worry.

“Reckless, definitely,” Mei sighed, setting down her cup.

“Maybe,” Kota said, walking over and flicking Ayane lightly on the forehead. She hissed and glared, but his smile softened the sting. “But sometimes people like her don’t need scolding. They just need someone to show they care. That alone can be enough.”

Ayane’s eyes lingered on him for a moment before drifting back down, her pout fading into quiet thought.

………….

Aoi walked along the dimly lit sidewalk, the goodie bag dangling from one hand while the other rested in her pocket. The quiet hum of the evening street filled her ears, broken only by the shuffle of passing footsteps and the occasional car in the distance.

Why would he give me this? she wondered, glancing down at the bag before lifting her gaze skyward. He’s always been like that since I met him… She exhaled softly. “Well, at least I’ve got breakfast covered for tomorrow,” she murmured, looking ahead at the thinning crowd. 

Then—her body tensed. The fine hairs on the back of her neck prickled, her steps faltering as her eyes widened. Someone was watching her. She spun a quick glance over her shoulder, scanning the shadows. Nothing. No one. But the sensation was sharp and undeniable.

Her pulse quickened, fear curling at the edge of her chest. Why… why does it feel like this? 

She turned back, ready to walk faster—only to collide with something solid. “Oof!” The impact knocked her off balance, her hand flailing before gravity could take her. A firm grip caught her wrist, halting her mid-fall.

“Ow…” she muttered, wincing, her eyes squeezing shut from the sting.

“Easy there. You okay?” A calm, steady voice reached her ears. Slowly, cautiously, Aoi opened her eyes.