That night.
The dinner table was lively, filled with gentle laughter, clinking cups, and warm chatter about the wedding.
Kyouko sat quietly, watching her family.
Her little brother Kenji was animated, joking about the ceremonial robes. Kazuma and Keiko were arguing about floral colors. Even Hanako looked relaxed, occasionally glancing at the updated seating plan with subtle pride.
But it was her father she kept stealing glances at.
Kitayama sat at the head of the table, as always. Stern, upright… but tonight, his eyes were softer. His usual grunts were fewer, his brows less furrowed.
And for once, he smiled.
Just a small smile.
But for Kyouko… it was enough to make her chest tighten quietly.
He almost never smiled.
She looked down at her lap and smiled to herself.
She had just texted Haruki minutes ago.
No reply yet.
But that was fine.
He would answer when he could.
