Chapter 46 – The Presence in the Night
After the fun at the beach, everyone was back at the mansion. The atmosphere was light and cheerful, filled with laughter and that warm, comfortable feeling of a family vacation. The golden rays of the setting sun had long faded, leaving a soft, dim glow from the lamps inside. Aoi was sitting on the plush living room carpet, fully immersed in a video game, playing alongside his siblings. The room smelled faintly of popcorn and summer air, remnants of the earlier day at the beach.
"Take that, Shoto!" he shouted with exhilaration, pulling off a quick combo on the controller, sending his brother's character reeling and losing a large portion of health. The intensity of the game made his heart race, but he couldn't hide the broad grin on his face.
Shoto narrowed his eyes, concentrating with unwavering determination. "You only won because I was distracted," he retorted, his voice a mixture of frustration and competitiveness, attempting to regain control and turn the game around.
Nearby, Natsuo laughed heartily, the sound echoing in the warm, cozy room. "Look at his face! He's red! He's going to lose again!" he teased, unable to hide his amusement at his brother's expressions. Within mere seconds, Natsuo's character fell to Fuyumi, who raised her controller triumphantly with a gleaming smile.
"Hah! Clean victory," she announced, her eyes sparkling with delight at her win.
Natsuo dramatically fell back on the sofa, pretending to be dead, flailing his arms comically. "Unfair! This game is rigged," he complained, his voice tinged with mock despair.
Meanwhile, in another corner of the mansion, Mirko, Meia-Noite, and Ryuko were engaged in a lively conversation. They exchanged jokes, recounted daring battle stories, and laughed freely, their voices a harmonious accompaniment to the bustling yet peaceful household. In the kitchen, Rei, wearing her apron, was fully absorbed in preparing dinner. The aromas of garlic, herbs, and simmering sauces floated through the air, wrapping the entire mansion in a warm, inviting embrace. The scent alone seemed to soothe everyone, bringing an unspoken sense of comfort and familiarity.
Aoi glanced toward the kitchen and called out energetically:
"Mom! Let the chefs do their job and go rest! We're on vacation!"
He shouted this while skillfully executing another perfect combo against Shoto, who let out a frustrated groan.
"That doesn't count!" Shoto protested, throwing his head back in mock outrage.
Rei merely turned her face toward him and smiled gently, eyes filled with affection.
"Cooking for my family is something I love, son. It's not work for me," she said warmly, her voice carrying a sense of pride and tenderness.
Aoi exhaled with a small sigh, his smile faint but genuine. He knew it was pointless to argue. This, he realized, was how his mother showed her love—through actions rather than words.
After some time, everyone finished eating together, the atmosphere remaining warm and cozy. Conversations flowed naturally, peppered with laughter and shared memories. Yet, amidst the comfort, Aoi felt a restlessness tugging at his chest, an unease he could not ignore.
Later, in his room, he approached the window and peered outside. The sky was now completely dark, a deep velvet sprinkled with countless stars that twinkled like tiny sparks strewn across the vast blanket of night. He drew a deep breath, feeling the cool night air brush against his face, and began stretching his arms and legs, preparing himself for what lay ahead.
"Well… it's time to see what that presence I felt earlier was," he murmured quietly, almost to himself.
With a swift, fluid motion, he leapt silently from the window, landing gracefully on the soft grass below. The mansion receded behind him, its lights casting faint shadows across the sprawling grounds. Yet, he hadn't moved ten meters before the subtle crunch of footsteps reached his ears.
He stopped and glanced over his shoulder, a tired but faintly amused smile spreading across his face.
"You can stop following me now, Mirko," he called, his tone half-joking, half-resigned.
The bunny approached, her confident and energetic smile cutting through the darkness.
"I knew you were acting weird at the beach," she said, her voice playful yet sincere. "So, when I saw you sneaking out, I decided to follow you."
Aoi arched an eyebrow, asking even though he already knew the answer:
"If I asked you not to follow me, would you?"
Mirko crossed her arms, her gaze unwavering, filled with determination.
"No way! I'm not going back without you," she said firmly.
Aoi took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, a soft chuckle escaping his lips.
"Heh… well, then let's go," he said, the weight of the night pressing gently upon them.
The two walked side by side through the darkness, the only sounds the chirping of crickets and the soft rustle of leaves in the wind, breaking the quiet of the night. Shadows stretched across the ground as the moonlight barely touched the path before them. Aoi used the journey to explain his earlier unease.
"When we were at the beach, I felt a strange presence," he said, his voice low, carrying a hint of seriousness. "It was… heavy, almost suffocating. I didn't want to worry the others, so I snuck out."
Mirko clenched her fists, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Hmph, you did well to sneak out, but not to try going alone. Whatever it is, we'll handle it together," she replied, her tone a mixture of teasing and reassurance.
Aoi looked at her for a moment, sincerity clear in his eyes.
"You're impossible… but I'm grateful you're here," he admitted softly.
Mirko laughed loudly, sharp teeth glinting in the dim light.
"Of course I am! You're not getting rid of me that easily, boy," she said with confidence and warmth intertwined.
Together, they continued toward the mysterious location, the night wrapping them in its quiet embrace. Each step brought them closer to the unknown, ready to face whatever strange presence lurked in the darkness, their determination blending with the whispers of the wind and the twinkle of the distant stars.
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