Once he got in, he was greeted by his father, mother, and sister sitting at the dinner table.
The lights above cast a faint glow over the room, and the air felt heavier than usual, thick with something he couldn't quite name.
Kaz stopped mid-step, glancing at each of them.
His mother's hands were clasped tightly together, his father's eyes were lowered toward the table, and Miko barely looked up from her seat.
Kaz blinked, confusion cutting through his unease. "W— What's with the serious vibe—"
Before he could finish, his mother's voice came sharp and steady. "Sit down, Kaz. We need to talk."
The tone in her voice left no room for jokes or questions.
Kaz felt his chest tighten, the rhythm of his heartbeat stumbling for a second.
He looked toward his father, hoping for some kind of hint, but all he got was a quiet nod that only made his nerves worse.
He swallowed hard, pulling out the chair and lowering himself into it, his movements slow and careful.
