It was just past six in the morning.
The golden hue of dawn gently slipped through the thin curtains of Shin's bedroom, casting a soft light over the room. Ai lay curled into his chest, her hair spread like ink across the pillow. Her breathing was slow and calm, a small, contented smile on her lips. Shin had one arm wrapped protectively around her waist, his hand resting on the dip of her back.
And on the other side of Shin… was Asahi.
The tiny bundle of affection had latched onto Shin sometime during the night and stubbornly refused to let go. With a peaceful little pout, Asahi was buried against Shin's arm like a possessive kitten, his chubby hand still clutching Shin's t-shirt in his sleep. His cheeks were soft and pink, and the strands of his short black hair fanned messily over his forehead.
Even in sleep, Asahi radiated a level of cuteness that could melt any heart.
Ai shifted slightly, her hand brushing over Shin's chest, and her eyes blinked open. The first thing she saw was Asahi, clinging tightly to Shin like a starfish. Her brow twitched.
"Tch… even in sleep, he won't let go," she muttered under her breath.
Shin chuckled softly. "He's got a good grip for a seven-year-old."
"I swear… if he wasn't this adorable…" Ai sighed, watching the boy's peaceful expression. "Still. I can't believe he hogged you for hours last night."
"He missed me," Shin said, pressing a kiss to Ai's temple. "And I missed him too."
"I did too," Ai admitted with a faint smile. "Even if he's a little thief."
Shin laughed under his breath and tucked a blanket more snugly over Asahi's shoulder.
The moment was calm. Warm. A rare peaceful morning. But of course—it wouldn't last long.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
Both Shin and Ai froze, eyes snapping toward the hallway.
"They're here," Ai whispered, her voice laced with sudden nervousness.
Shin gave her a small grin and slipped out of bed carefully so as not to wake Asahi. "Let's get dressed before Asahi wakes up."
They dressed quickly. Ai threw on a loose white hoodie and shorts, while Shin settled for a simple t-shirt and sweatpants. Ai combed down her messy bed hair and huffed at the mirror. "I look like I barely slept."
"You look cute," Shin said without missing a beat.
"Flatterer."
Together, they padded quietly down the hall and to the front door. Shin pulled it open.
Standing on the porch, bathed in early morning light, were Aiko and Yuki.
"Morning!" Aiko chirped with a grin so wide it nearly split her cheeks. Her cropped pink top hugged her figure tightly, and her denim shorts showed off her legs and curvy hips with no shame. She had clearly dressed to impress.
Yuki stood beside her with his arms folded, wearing a black cat-ear hoodie that fell just above his hips and soft pink shorts that hugged his thighs. His white hair was slightly tousled, and his big blue eyes blinked sleepily under the hood. Despite the early hour, he looked cute beyond reason—and it was hard to tell whether he was a boy or a girl at first glance.
Shin blinked at Yuki for a second. "You're seriously wearing that?"
Yuki narrowed his eyes. "What? It's comfortable. And I like cats. Got a problem, Shin?"
"Nope," Shin grinned, eyes flicking to Yuki's short shorts. "Just surprised how good it looks on you."
Yuki immediately blushed and looked away. "B-Baka…"
"Yo, Haa-Chan," Shin turned to Aiko, grinning. "What's with the outfit?"
"I could say the same to you, Taa-Kun," Aiko said, taking a step forward and lifting her fists. "Don't think I came all the way here without greeting you properly!"
She punched his shoulder. He grinned and punched her lightly back.
Again. Again. It was their tradition—playful punches, teasing smiles, and the buzz of familiarity between two old friends.
Ai, watching from the side with a raised brow, smirked. "You two never change."
Then, without warning, Aiko leaned forward and grabbed Shin's face, pulling him down into a kiss.
It wasn't long—just a few seconds—but it was firm and full of affection. When they pulled apart, Shin looked a bit surprised.
"You kissed me this time," he said.
"I'll do it again if you don't behave," Aiko winked.
Yuki turned away, visibly flustered. "Can you not do that right in front of me…?"
Shin laughed. "Jealous, Yuki?"
"No!" Yuki said a little too fast. "Y-You're the worst."
"Yuki-San, you look really cute today," Ai said as she stepped aside to let them in.
Yuki's cheeks darkened more. "T-Thanks, Ai…"
Inside, the house still smelled faintly of sleep and the lingering sweetness of Ai's shampoo. Asahi remained asleep in the room down the hall, unaware of the small reunion that was unfolding just a few feet away.
"So… where's the tiny prince?" Aiko asked eagerly, bouncing on her toes. "Where's my A-Chan?"
"Still asleep," Shin replied with a smile. "He's been glued to me all night."
"Ohhh I bet he has," Aiko said, practically squealing. "I haven't seen him in forever! I want to squeeze him so bad!"
"I wanna meet him too," Yuki added, eyes curious. "You really didn't tell me you had a little brother…"
"I've only known you a week," Shin shrugged. "Didn't come up."
Aiko gave him a light punch again. "You should have led with that! He's basically a national treasure."
Shin smirked. "Just wait till he wakes up. He's gonna love you both. But fair warning—he might try to propose to me again."
Aiko giggled. "Still? That little romantic!"
"Seriously?" Yuki raised a brow.
"He says he'll marry Shin one day and won't let anyone else have him," Ai muttered, arms crossed. "That's why I barely got to touch Shin all night."
"You're lucky I'm not the jealous type," Yuki muttered, cheeks puffed.
"Who said I'm not jealous?" Aiko pouted. "I've been waiting to see Taa-Kun all week."
Shin held up his hands in surrender. "Don't worry. I'll make it up to all of you."
Ai narrowed her eyes. "Better."
Just then, a small shuffle came from down the hallway. A sleepy yawn echoed, followed by soft footsteps.
All three girls turned their heads at once.
A small figure appeared in the hall, rubbing his eyes with one hand. Asahi blinked groggily at the group before his eyes lit up the moment they landed on Shin.
"Onii-Chan!" he cried, running forward and jumping into Shin's arms.
Shin caught him with ease. "Morning, buddy."
Asahi hugged him tightly, his cheek pressed to Shin's neck. "You weren't there when I woke up…"
"I was just by the door. Guess who came to see you?"
Asahi looked over Shin's shoulder—and his eyes grew wide.
"Ama-Chan! And—who are you?" he asked, tilting his head at Yuki.
"I'm Yuki," Yuki said, smiling. "Nice to meet you."
"You're so pretty!" Asahi beamed, still in Shin's arms.
Yuki blinked. "Uh—thanks."
Ai and Aiko both melted instantly.
"Look at his face," Aiko squealed. "He's even cuter than I remember!"
"I know," Ai said, sighing. "It's unfair."
"I wanna keep him," Yuki said without thinking, then flushed. "I-I mean—like, he's adorable. That's all."
Shin laughed. "See what I mean?"
Asahi pulled back and looked at everyone, eyes sparkling. "Are you all here to play with me?"
"Absolutely," Aiko said.
"Only if you let go of Shin," Ai added with a sly smile.
"Nope," Asahi said proudly, snuggling back into Shin's chest. "He's mine."
Everyone laughed.
And just like that, their morning began—with laughter, hugs, and the kind of chaos that came only from a home full of love.
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END OF CHAPTER : 148 : MORNING MISCHIEF AND VISITOR!
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