PART 6 — "War Memory Awakening"
Morning light slowly filled the room.
Soft.
Quiet.
Kaito's eyes opened first.
He blinked once, then turned his head slightly.
Ayame was still asleep in the middle futon, lying on her side, calm and still.
On the other side, Haruto was also asleep—though not as peaceful, one arm loosely over his face.
Kaito watched them for a second.
"…Still sleeping…"
He sat up, stretching lightly.
A small grin formed.
"…Heh. Today I'll get ready first."
Carefully, he got up, making sure not to wake them.
He slipped out of the room and headed to the bathroom.
Water ran.
A toothbrush tapped lightly against the sink.
Kaito hummed quietly to himself as he washed his face.
"…Cold…"
He shook his head, wiping his face with a towel.
"…Alright."
He walked downstairs.
"…Aka?"
No answer.
The kitchen was empty.
That made him pause.
"…Huh?"
He glanced around once—
then headed toward her room.
The door was slightly open.
He pushed it gently.
"…Aka?"
Inside—
Akari was slumped over her desk.
A book lay open in front of her.
One hand resting near the pages.
Asleep.
Kaito blinked.
"…You slept here…?"
He stepped closer and lightly tapped her shoulder.
"…Aka."
No response.
"…Aka."
This time she stirred slightly.
"…Mm…"
Her eyes opened slowly.
For a second, she looked disoriented—
then blinked again.
"…Kaito?"
He crossed his arms.
"…You fell asleep here."
Akari straightened a little, glancing at the open book.
"…Ah…"
A small pause.
"…Sorry."
She rubbed her eyes lightly and stood up.
"…I must've dozed off."
Kaito tilted his head slightly.
"…You look tired."
Akari gave a faint smile.
"…I'm fine."
She walked past him.
"…Give me a minute."
A short while later—
she was in the kitchen.
Water running again.
Pans heating.
The house slowly coming to life.
Upstairs—
Kaito returned to the room.
He walked over and nudged Haruto first.
"…Oi."
No response.
"…Haruto."
A groan.
"…Five more minutes…"
Kaito rolled his eyes and turned to Ayame.
"…You too."
She didn't move immediately.
Then slowly—
her eyes opened.
"…Morning…"
Her voice quiet.
Haruto shifted again, finally pulling his arm away from his face.
"…Already…?"
Kaito crossed his arms.
"…Yeah. And you both look dead."
Ayame sat up slowly.
"…Didn't sleep properly."
Haruto rubbed his eyes.
"…Same…"
A brief silence passed between them.
Kaito noticed—
but didn't say anything.
"…Come on, Aka made breakfast."
They came downstairs together.
Akari was already finishing up.
She glanced at them—
just once.
Noticing.
"…You two are late."
Ayame gave a small nod.
"…Sorry."
Haruto didn't say anything.
Kaito sat down immediately.
"…I'm on time."
Akari placed food in front of him.
"…Eat."
They started quietly.
The mood was normal—
but slightly off.
Akari moved around the kitchen, then returned with a small box.
She packed it neatly.
Closed it.
Then handed it to Kaito.
"…Your tiffin."
Kaito took it.
"…What about them?"
He glanced at Haruto and Ayame.
Akari's tone stayed calm.
"…They'll come later."
A small pause.
"…You go ahead."
Kaito looked between them.
"…You sure?"
Ayame nodded faintly.
"…Yeah. We'll come."
Haruto added quietly—
"…Go."
Kaito hesitated for a second—
then stood up.
"…Alright."
He slung his bag over his shoulder.
"…Don't be too late."
No one replied.
He walked toward the door—
then stopped briefly.
"…Aka."
She looked at him.
"…Hmm?"
He scratched his head lightly.
"…You should rest a bit too."
A faint smile.
"…I will."
He nodded once—
then stepped out.
The door closed.