Part 1 — The Rush Home
The bell rang.
Its sound rolled across the academy grounds, sharp and final, cutting through the noise of students already beginning to move. Conversations overlapped, footsteps rushed past, and the day loosened its grip.
Haruto didn't wait.
He turned the moment the bell finished echoing.
"Ayame," he said quickly.
She looked up. "What?"
"I'm going ahead."
Before either Ayame or Kaito could reply, Haruto was already walking away, weaving through the crowd with restless steps. He didn't look back.
Ayame slowed. Kaito stopped beside her.
"Impatient as always," Kaito muttered.
They stayed back, eyes drifting toward the academy gate where Renjiro stood talking with someone they didn't recognize.
That Haruto had noticed.
"I'm home."
His voice carried the moment he stepped inside.
Akari was sitting on the sofa, papers set aside, turning just in time for Haruto to drop his bag and walk straight toward her. Without a word, he leaned down and hugged her tightly.
"Aka—"
She barely had time to react before he shifted, laying down on the sofa with his head resting in her lap like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"Hey," she said softly, surprised, then smiled.
Her fingers moved through his hair, slow and gentle, brushing it back from his face. Haruto let out a quiet breath, eyes half-lidded, the tension from the day finally easing.
"Where are the others?" Akari asked.
"They're coming," Haruto said. "Talking with someone."
She hummed, continuing to brush his hair. After a pause, Haruto spoke again.
"Aka… did Grandma Tsunami have a brother?"
Her hand stopped for a split second.
"Yes," she said. "Why?"
Haruto opened his eyes slightly. "She never told me she had one."
she asked. "How did you know?"
"Daigo-sensei mentioned it," he replied casually.
Akari studied his face, then laughed lightly. "You really listen to strange details."
He smiled faintly, then added, "Anyway… I was wondering for a long time. Your brother Renjiro and big brother Raizen—they're my cousins, right?"
She laughed properly this time. "No."
Haruto smiled wider. "I knew it. You were my actual sister."
"Nope."
He tilted his head slightly. "Then what is it?"
"We're your father's students," she said. "Not your siblings. Not your cousins."
Haruto's expression didn't change.
"Anyway," he said simply, "you're still my Aka."
Akari looked down at him, then smiled and flicked his forehead lightly. "That logic makes no sense."
They both laughed.
After that, Haruto began talking—about the academy, about what they learned, about energy control and training. Akari listened quietly, fingers still brushing his hair, as the afternoon light stretched across the room.
Outside, footsteps were drawing closer.
And the calm wouldn't last.