Part 7 — Things Adults Don't Say
After a while—
Haruto quietly looked toward Yuji.
Hesitating slightly before asking:
"…Yuji-san."
"…Hm?"
"…Are you going to get deployed too?"
The restaurant became quieter after that question.
Yuji stayed silent for a few seconds.
Then calmly answered:
"…No."
Haruto relaxed slightly.
But then Yuji added:
"…Unless things become serious enough."
Haruto's expression tightened again immediately.
Yuji noticed.
Then sighed softly.
"…Stop making that face."
He pointed lightly toward the ramen.
"…Eat first before worrying about the entire world."
Kaito immediately resumed eating after that.
Even Ayame's shoulders relaxed slightly again.
Eventually—
the bowls were emptied one by one.
Yuji disappeared briefly into the back.
Then returned carrying four packed tiffins.
He placed them neatly onto the table.
"…Lunch."
Kaito blinked.
"…Four?"
Yuji nodded once toward Miri.
"…One for her too."
Miri looked slightly surprised.
"…You packed mine too?"
"…Obviously."
Yuji pushed the tiffins closer.
"…Take them before you're late."
Ayame carefully gathered the lunch boxes.
"…Thank you."
Haruto quietly bowed his head slightly too.
"…Thanks, Yuji-san."
The triplets slowly stepped outside afterward and waited near the entrance for Miri.
Inside—
Miri quietly placed her own tiffin into her bag.
Then looked toward her father again.
"…Papa."
Yuji glanced over calmly.
"…What."
Miri hesitated slightly.
Then quietly asked:
"…Why would you get deployed if things become serious?"
A pause.
"…Aren't you retired?"
Yuji stayed silent for a moment while wiping the counter slowly.
Then simply answered:
"…You'll understand later, Miri."
Her expression tightened immediately.
"…Papa…"
Frustration slowly appeared in her voice now.
"…You always do this."
Yuji remained quiet.
Miri continued more sharply this time:
"…I'm your daughter."
"…Why do you keep so many things secret from me?"
The restaurant became quiet again afterward.
Yuji finally looked toward her properly.
Not angry.
Just calm.
"…Miri."
"…I'll tell you everything myself one day."
A pause.
"…But that day hasn't come yet."
Miri lowered her gaze slightly.
Clearly frustrated.
But she didn't argue further.
Instead—
she quietly picked up her bag and walked toward the entrance.
The bell above the door softly rang as she stepped outside.
Yuji watched silently for a moment.
Then returned to cleaning the counter again.
Outside—
the triplets looked toward Miri as she joined them.
"…Ready?" Kaito asked.
Miri nodded quietly.
"…Yeah."
Then together—
The four children began walking toward the academy beneath the uneasy morning sky.