Two days before the wedding.
The morning sun filtered softly through the trees, casting a gentle glow over the Kitayama residence's backyard.
Kyouko was out in the courtyard, wearing a simple white cotton T-shirt and loose-fitting exercise pants. Her long hair was tied up neatly, her movements slow and graceful as she moved through her routine.
Light stretches.
Steady breathing.
She never skipped it.
Even now, with a child quietly growing inside her.
From the wooden veranda, Hanako watched in silence.
Her daughter… so calm. So composed. Even with everything happening around her.
A faint smile curved her lips.
Without saying anything, she turned and stepped quietly back into the house.
That's when she noticed something on the low table near the living room.
Kyouko's phone vibrated.
Hanako glanced over.
The screen lit up, Haruki's name.
And another notification below it.
An unknown number.
Hanako hesitated for a moment.
Then slowly picked up the phone.
