Part 3 – An Ordinary Breakfast
The warm aroma of breakfast drifted through the house.
For a brief moment...
It almost felt as though nothing had changed.
But beyond the walls of their home...
The village continued preparing for a war that didn't truly exist.
The kitchen was already filled with the comforting aroma of breakfast.
Ayame set the bowls onto the table one by one.
Kaito quietly helped place the chopsticks beside each bowl.
Haruto stopped in the doorway for a moment.
"...Need any help?"
Ayame looked over her shoulder.
A small smile formed on her face.
"You can bring the tea."
Haruto nodded.
"...Okay."
He carefully picked up the kettle with both hands and carried it to the table.
Kaito watched him for a second.
"...Don't spill it."
Haruto puffed his cheeks.
"I won't."
"You almost did."
"I haven't even poured it yet."
"I know."
Kaito grinned.
"I'm warning you in advance."
Haruto rolled his eyes.
"...You're impossible."
"There."
Kaito pointed at him proudly.
"You're talking back now."
Haruto blinked.
"...Wasn't I always?"
"No."
"You used to just stare at me."
Ayame couldn't help but laugh.
"You did."
Haruto looked between them.
"...Really?"
The two older siblings nodded together.
Haruto scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"...I didn't realize."
Ayame gently poured the rice into their bowls.
"You don't have to force yourself."
She placed a bowl in front of Haruto.
"Just be yourself."
Haruto looked at her for a moment before giving a quiet nod.
"...I will."
The three brought their hands together.
"Itadakimasu."
For the next several minutes...
Only the sounds of breakfast filled the room.
The quiet clinking of chopsticks.
The warmth of the soup.
An occasional comment from Kaito about how hungry he was.
It was ordinary.
Wonderfully ordinary.
The kind of morning Haruto had wanted to protect.
He looked at his brother and sister.
Both of them were smiling.
Without realizing it...
A small smile appeared on his own face as well.
Outside...
A cold winter wind swept through the village.
Far beyond the peaceful home...
Unseen eyes watched from the shadows.
Waiting.
Patiently.
For nightfall.