“Careful there. You alright?”

Aoi’s lashes lifted slowly. In front of her stood a boy, a little older than her, his hand steady around hers. His other arm balanced a box from underneath, the brim of his blue cap tilted back just enough to reveal clear blue eyes framed by strands of silver-blue hair brushing over his brows.

“Y-Yeah… sorry,” Aoi muttered as he helped her back onto her feet. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

He shook his head lightly. “Neither was I. Guess that makes us even.” His easy smile carried no blame, but Aoi only blinked at him in silence as he shifted the box securely into both hands.

His gaze flicked to her clothes. “That uniform… you’re from Sayonaki, aren’t you?”

Aoi followed his eyes downward, answering quietly, “Yeah.”

“That’s a good school,” he said simply, his voice soft but certain. She glanced up at him briefly before turning her face aside, her expression tightening ever so slightly.

“You seem a little on edge,” he remarked, one brow arching. “Something happen?”“I’m fine,” she replied too quickly, her profile angled away, eyes fixed on the ground.

“Mm. You don’t look fine,” he countered gently, his tone half-curious, half-concerned. After a beat, he asked, “Someone following you?”

“I… don’t know,” she admitted, voice low. A thoughtful hum escaped him, his lips curving into a faint smile.

“Tell you what—why don’t I walk you part of the way?” he offered suddenly.

“Huh?” Aoi blinked, startled by the suggestion.

“It’s just common courtesy,” he explained easily. “Relax—I’ll stop at the end of that street. My place is right there.” He gestured ahead, and her eyes instinctively followed his direction.

“My home’s the other way,” she said, shifting her weight to one leg, uncertain.

“All the better. We’ll part ways when we get there.” Without waiting for an answer, he stepped forward, his pace steady.

Aoi’s brow twitched. For a moment, she thought of refusing outright—but her feet betrayed her, carrying her after him, careful and measured, until she matched his stride within the bustle of the small nighttime crowd.

From the darkness of an alley, a hooded figure lingered, the shadow concealing her eyes, though the grin across her lips was unmistakable. Her chuckle carried like a whisper, watching Aoi walk cautiously alongside the stranger.

………..

“You’re a first-year, right?” the boy asked after a stretch of silence, his smile relaxed, the box balanced neatly against his chest. “Kind of glad I ran into one of the new Nightingales. Pretty exciting, don’t you think?”

Aoi’s gaze stayed forward, her tone firm. “Why would you do this?”

He blinked. “Do what?”

“This. Walk with me. Talk with me. You don’t even know me.” She tilted her head toward him, her eyes sharp. “People don’t usually go out of their way for strangers.”

His expression softened, a quiet chuckle slipping out. “You’re right—we don’t know each other.” His eyes lingered on her for a moment before turning back to the road. “…But you looked like you needed someone there. That’s reason enough for me.”

Aoi frowned, her eyes narrowing as she muttered, “That’s not how the world works.”

“Maybe not.” His smile tugged faintly at the corner. “Still, it didn’t feel right to let you walk alone tonight.”

She gave a low hum, rolling her eyes but sneaking another glance at him all the same. His calm, almost too-composed demeanor stirred something strange in her chest. He reminds me of someone… The thought pressed at her mind as her gaze lingered.

And then she realized—he was already looking back.

“Why’re you staring at me like that? Do I have something stuck on my face or what?” he muttered, tilting his head.

Aoi flinched, snapping her gaze away. “N-No! It’s nothing. Sorry, I was just…” her voice trailed weakly.

He let out a short laugh, “It’s alright. I know I’m handsome and all but… I already have a girlfriend, a beautiful one too.”

Didn’t ask, didn’t wanna know, Aoi mused, her brow furrowing as she tried to keep her face blank.

“She’s really amazing~” he gawked dreamily, “So beautiful, and she’s also really—”

“And here’s my stop,” Aoi cut him off sharply, turning to her right. His eyes widened faintly, almost offended.

“Aww, that was really harsh, you know~” he whined as she scoffed and walked on, but his gaze prickled against her back. Irritation rising, she spun around, jabbing a finger toward him.

“Would you quit standing there and staring at me?! Go home already!” she snapped, earning his chuckle, his eyes meeting hers.

“Alright, alright. Man, I heard you were feisty, but I didn’t know you were this uptight, Aoi.”

Her eyes widened, her fists clenching tight as she slid into a battle stance. “How’d you… How’d you know my name?” she demanded, her voice low and tense while he calmly smiled at her.

“Don’t worry, I’m not a threat. You should get home quickly, okay?” Before she could press him further, he turned and started walking off.

A small scoff escaped her lips as she called after him, “W-Who are you?!” He half-turned, his calm expression unwavering.

“You’ll find out soon enough, Aoi. Good night,” he replied, continuing on his way. Aoi stood still, straightening properly as she glanced to the ground, confused as to why a total stranger would offer to walk her home halfway, talk with her, and then suddenly reveal her name out of the blue.

Who the hell is he? she thought, his calm, almost protective tone flashing back in her mind. He didn’t seem dangerous, though… nevertheless, I have to be careful. I can’t trust anyone… not anymore. She scoffed quietly, clenching her fists. She clasped the handle of the bag tightly, its cellophane crinkling under her touch.

…………….

The streetlights buzzed and flickered against the quiet row of houses, casting pale light over a simple but inviting two-storey duplex. The silver-blue-haired boy slipped through the front gate and up to the door, pushing it open with practiced ease.

“I’m home,” he called, kicking off his shoes at the entrance. The box in his hands thumped lightly against his hip as he stepped inside.

“Oh, welcome back, Ryo.” A woman with the same silver-blue hair appeared from behind the kitchen counter, her eyes soft with relief.

“Hey, Mom.” He smiled, shifting the box in his arms as she came closer to pat his shoulder.

“You got everything?” she asked, her gaze flicking to the package.

“Yeah. Luckily, the shop hadn’t closed yet.” His grin tilted wryly as he held it up.

“Good. Just set it over there, would you?” She gestured toward a spot against the living room wall.

“Got it.” He crossed the room and placed the box down carefully.

“Sorry for springing that errand on you so late,” she said, her smile carrying a trace of guilt. “I know you’ve already got enough going on.”

“Don’t worry about it. It’s nothing,” he set down the box effortlessly, “… is Dad home yet?”

His mother shook her head, arms folded. “No, not yet. He’s working late again. Might not be home until tomorrow afternoon.”

“Figures.” Ryo sighed, tugging his cap off and running a hand through his hair. “And Raito?”

“He’s upstairs. Just finished showering. He only got in a little while ago,” she replied.

“Mm, alright.” He gave a small smile, already turning toward the staircase. Hope he’s not too ticked about earlier… he thought, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips as he started up the steps.

“Dinner will be ready soon. Go freshen up first,” his mother called after him.

“Got it,” he nodded, continuing on. Tossing his cap lightly in the air, he hummed under his breath as he passed along the hallway.

A voice suddenly cut through the quiet. “So you finally decided to show up.” 

Ryo turned his head. Raito leaned against his doorframe, arms folded, damp strands of hair clinging to his forehead. A towel hung around his neck, his casual shirt and pants making him look effortlessly sharp despite the scowl on his face.

Ryo’s grin widened, one hand slipping onto his hip. “Hey, little brother. How was the big first day?”

Raito cracked his eyes open, his glare sharp. “Spare me the crap, idiot.”

Ryo pressed his palms together in sincere apology, shutting his eyes with a guilty smile. “Still mad about this morning? I’m really sorry, alright? I had a ton to sort out and couldn’t make it to the ceremony. But I know… you were counting on me to be there.” 

Raito clicked his tongue, turning his head aside. “Tch. Like I’d waste energy worrying about that nonsense.”

Ryo dropped his hands, giving him a blank look. “Uh-huh. Sure. Totally not angry.” A small smirk tugged at his lips.

“I said I’m not!” Raito barked, his eyes snapping wide in exasperation. He blew out a sharp sigh and turned away, while Ryo chuckled at the reaction.

“Relax. Your girlfriend covered the ceremony, so no big deal. After that, we split into teams and went on patrol.” Raito added casually, dabbing his towel at his jawline.

“Patrol already? Nice. Bet you ended up with Mitsuru and Rikuya, huh?” Ryo leaned against the wall, raising a brow. “So? What’d you think of Reina? You can actually call her by name, you know.” He waggled his brows teasingly.

“You just want free compliments.” Raito shot him a flat look. “Not happening.” 

Ryo collapsed to the floor in fake agony, clutching his chest. “Cold as ice! My own little brother, stabbing me where it hurts. You’ve hated giving her credit ever since we started dating—heck, even before that.”

“I don’t hate her. I just don’t care,” Raito replied flatly, already turning down the hall. 

Ryo sighed, folding his arms over his knees with a pout. “Hopeless. You and that girl from earlier are the same.”

Raito slowed, one brow lifting. “…What girl?"

Ryo stiffened, scratching the back of his neck with a nervous laugh. “Uh—nobody. Just forget it.”

“Right,” Raito said, unimpressed. “So, you’re sneaking around behind Reina now?” 

Ryo scrambled to his feet. “What?! No way! I only walked her halfway home! That’s all! I’d never cheat on Reina.”

“Mm-hm. Whatever you say.” Raito scoffed, turning away.

“I mean it,” Ryo insisted, a grin sneaking back onto his face. “She just reminded me of you. Both of you can’t take a compliment to save your lives.”

Raito froze, shoulders twitching. He turned slowly, his eyes wide with irritation.

“Ryo, damn you!” he lunged, swinging hard, but Ryo caught his fist without effort and let it drop.

“Calm down, little guy,” he said, amused.

“One day I’ll beat you. Remember that.” Raito clenched his jaw, fists balling.

“Sure you will. Can’t wait to see it,” Ryo replied, grinning as he ruffled his brother’s hair.

“Hey! Quit that!” The brunette stomped off, cheeks flushed like a scolded kid. Ryo watched him go with a fond shake of his head, then turned and headed to his room.

He pushed the door open, stepping inside and tossing his cap and phone onto the desk before collapsing onto the bed, arms spread wide across the sheets. “What a day…” he exhaled, eyes tracing the ceiling above.