Part 6: Morning, As If Nothing Changed
The kitchen was filled with the warm scent of breakfast cooking. Akari moved efficiently, humming softly as she prepared the morning meal. Pots clanged gently, eggs sizzled, and steam rose from a small kettle of tea.
Kaito and Ayame were seated at the table, still in their night clothes, heads bent over their notebooks. Pens scratched across pages as they hurriedly revised everything they could for the day's exam.
"Alright, you two," Akari said, turning from the stove. "Go get ready. I'm going to wake Haruto."
Akari slid open the door to Haruto's room quietly. Morning light spilled across the floor, stopping at the edge of his futon.
Haruto lay there, his red hair spread messily across the pillow. A thin sheen of sweat covered his face and neck, even though the room was cool. His brow was slightly furrowed, and soft, serious murmurs slipped from his lips as he slept.
Akari slowed, worry tightening in her chest.
She knelt beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Haruto… wake up."
His eyes fluttered open — silver catching the light for a brief instant. He pushed himself up and sat on the futon, rubbing his face.
Akari searched his expression. "Are you okay?"
Haruto looked up at her and nodded. "I'm fine, Aka."
Her shoulders relaxed slightly, though concern still lingered in her eyes.
"Get ready," she said gently. "Breakfast is almost done."
Haruto nodded again, standing up as the last traces of unease from his sleep faded away.
The house slowly filled with movement.
Water ran in the washroom as the triplets went through their morning routine. Haruto splashed his face with cold water, the lingering heaviness from his sleep finally easing. He stared at his reflection for a brief moment, silver eyes calm now, then turned away.
Kaito brushed his teeth with one hand while holding his notebook in the other, mumbling facts under his breath. Ayame stood near the mirror, tying her hair neatly, her book open on the counter as she reviewed the last few points.
Soon, all three of them gathered at the table.