Part 8 — Promise Me We Stay Together
Then Haruto spoke, softer than before.
"…Ayame."
"Yes?" she said.
Haruto's voice was quiet when he spoke again.
"...Can we stay together?"
Ayame's fingers slowed in his hair, her hand pausing mid-motion.
Haruto swallowed before continuing, his voice trembling slightly.
"All three of us… no matter what."
This wasn't about the argument anymore.
This wasn't about Kaito.
It was fear.
Fear shaped by loss that had already happened.
Their parents.
Their younger brother.
Memories that never stopped echoing in the quiet moments.
Ayame's chest tightened.
Her mother's voice resurfaced in her mind — clear, gentle, and heavy with trust.
Take care of your brothers.
Ayame slowly rested her hand on Haruto's head, her touch warm and steady.
"We will," Ayame said softly.
It wasn't just comfort.
It was a promise built from responsibility… and love.
Haruto's fingers tightened slightly against her clothes.
"…Even if hunters keep coming?" he asked.
Ayame didn't hesitate.
"Yes," she replied calmly.
Haruto's voice dropped further.
"…Even if things get worse?"
"Yes."
He swallowed.
"…Promise?"
Ayame's hand pressed more firmly against his hair, grounding him.
"I promise."
Haruto went quiet.
For a long time.
His breathing slowed, steadying little by little.
He held onto that single word — promise — as if it were something physical he could grip.
Silence wrapped around them gently.