Part 7: Today Mattered
Soon, all three of them gathered at the table.
Akari set the plates down, the simple breakfast warm and comforting. Haruto sat quietly and began eating, focused and calm. Across from him, Kaito and Ayame barely touched their food, eyes still glued to their notes.
"Eat properly," Akari reminded them gently.
"We are," Kaito replied quickly, though his eyes never left the page.
Ayame nodded in agreement. "Just one more time."
Haruto watched them for a moment, then smiled faintly and continued eating, his mind steadying itself for the exam ahead.
The morning felt normal—almost peaceful—yet beneath it all, a sense of importance hung in the air.
Today mattered.
Breakfast finished, Akari cleared the table while the triplets gathered their things. Bags were slung over shoulders, notebooks finally tucked away.
Kaito adjusted his bag strap. "Okay. No more revising now."
Ayame nodded firmly. "Yeah. We'll handle it."
Haruto stood between them, calmer than before. The strange heaviness from the night was gone, replaced by quiet excitement.
Outside, the morning air was cool and fresh. The path toward the academy was already filled with students walking in small groups.
Akari walked with the triplets until the academy gates came into view. She stopped there and turned to face them, her expression gentle but proud.
"Good luck," she said warmly. "All three of you."
Haruto smiled brightly. "I'll do my best, Aka."
Kaito grinned. "We'll make you proud."
Ayame nodded once. "Don't worry."
Akari waved as they ran ahead toward the gates. "Stay focused—and don't rush."
The triplets hurried inside, their footsteps echoing across the academy grounds. The building buzzed with quiet tension: students whispering, teachers moving through the halls, the weight of the exam day pressing down on everyone.
Haruto took a deep breath as they entered.