The living room was warm, lived-in—family photos on the walls, children's drawings held by magnets on a board, the faint scent of tea lingering in the air.
Luca sat on the couch, feeling strangely out of place yet oddly comfortable.
Aiko sat beside him, close but not touching, her eyes—his eyes, their mother's eyes—watching him with open curiosity.
Yuki had claimed the spot on his other side, legs swinging, unable to sit still.
"You're really tall," Yuki said, tilting his head back to look up at Luca. "Mom said you'd be tall."
Luca couldn't help the small smile. "I guess I am."
"Are you staying forever?" Yuki asked, hope bright in his voice.
"Yuki," their mother said gently from the doorway, carrying a tray with tea and snacks. "Remember what we talked about? Luca is visiting."
"But he could stay," Yuki insisted, looking between them. "We have an extra room."
Luca's chest tightened. "I'm just here for a few days. I have to go back home."
