Amusement Park
Kokichi held two ice creams and jogged toward the Ferris wheel line.
"Over here!"
Kasumi Miwa waved at him, her light blue hair swaying under the glow of the neon lights.
Kokichi slowed as he approached, staring absentmindedly until she walked up and flicked his forehead.
"What are you spacing out for?"
Snapping back to reality, he handed her the ice cream, scratching his head as his face warmed.
"Come on, it's our turn."
Miwa grabbed his hand and pulled him into the Ferris wheel cabin.
They sat side by side, eating quietly while admiring the city lights stretching endlessly below.
Before long, both of them noticed the atmosphere had turned strange.
Kokichi cleared his throat. "By the way, why did you want to come to an amusement park?"
Miwa smiled softly. "It's New Year's. A day like this should be spent trying something different."
Kokichi hesitated. "But… isn't this more of a place for couples?"
His voice trailed off.
Miwa's face flushed instantly, and she pulled her collar up slightly, hiding half her face.
Silence settled between them.
Time seemed to stretch.
"Kokichi…"
Her voice broke the quiet.
He turned toward her, confused, only to freeze.
Her face was inches away from his. He could see his reflection in her eyes.
"Wha…"
Before he could finish, Miwa shut her eyes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
Kokichi's body went rigid. His mind blanked completely, like a sudden shock had wiped everything away.
Click.
The sharp sound of a camera shutter, followed by a flash, startled them both. They pulled apart instantly.
Outside the window, Momo Nishimiya hovered on her broom, holding a camera with a wide grin.
"Worth it. I finally got the shot!"
"Momo!"
"Bleh."
She stuck out her tongue, laughing as she drifted higher.
"I'm posting this in the group chat!"
…
"I'm off to work."
A man in a suit picked up his briefcase and spoke cheerfully before stepping out the door.
His wife smiled and waved. "Take care."
She turned back inside and began preparing breakfast.
"Atsushi, what do you want to eat?"
The little boy thought for a moment. "Fried eggs, and… dorayaki."
"Alright."
She opened the refrigerator to start cooking.
Ding-dong.
The doorbell rang.
"I'll get it!"
Atsushi ran to the entrance and stood on his tiptoes to open the door.
He looked up and froze.
A tall young man stood outside, carrying several bags.
They stared at each other.
"Atsushi, who is it?"
The woman walked over, then stopped in place when she saw the visitor.
The boy instinctively hid behind her, peeking out.
The man's eyes had faint red markings around them, unusual but not frightening. Somehow, he felt… gentle.
The woman spoke, her voice filled with disbelief. "Noritoshi?"
Kamo Noritoshi stiffened slightly, holding the gifts in his hands.
After a long pause, he spoke quietly.
"Mother…"
Her expression slowly softened, the shock fading into warmth.
She smiled gently.
"Yes."
"Welcome home."