Part 2 – Small Steps Forward
The last futon was folded neatly and placed against the wall.
Ayame dusted her hands together.
"There."
Kaito stretched his arms above his head and let out a loud yawn.
"I'm starving."
Ayame glanced at him.
"You just woke up."
"I know."
"That's why I'm starving."
Haruto let out a quiet chuckle.
Kaito immediately turned toward him.
"...You laughed."
Haruto blinked.
"...I did?"
"You did."
Kaito pointed at him dramatically.
"Ayame, did you hear that?"
Ayame smiled as she picked up the folded blankets.
"I did."
"It's a miracle."
Haruto's ears turned slightly red.
"...You two..."
Kaito grinned.
"See? That's the face I was talking about."
Haruto sighed helplessly.
"...Can we just go eat?"
"Now that's the Haruto I know."
Ayame walked toward the bedroom door.
"Come on."
"If we keep talking, breakfast will get cold."
The three stepped out into the hallway together.
As Haruto reached for the doorframe...
His sleeve slipped back once more.
The faint bruise around his wrist became visible again.
Kaito's smile faded for just a moment.
He looked away before Haruto could notice.
"...I'll set the table."
Without waiting for a response...
He walked ahead toward the kitchen.
Haruto watched him for a second.
"...Is something wrong?"
Ayame glanced toward Kaito's back before looking at Haruto.
A gentle smile appeared on her face.
"...No."
"...He's just thinking."
Haruto tilted his head slightly.
"...About what?"
Ayame softly opened the kitchen door.
"...You'll understand."