Part 2 — Silence at the Table
Downstairs, Akari placed plates on the table.
"Food'll be ready," she called, her voice calm, normal—on purpose.
Ayame appeared first, tying her hair back. She glanced toward the bathroom once, then looked away. Kaito followed shortly after, arms folded, expression unreadable.
When Haruto finally came down, hair damp, posture relaxed, the table was already set.
"Sit," Akari said, handing him a towel. "You'll catch a cold."
He did.
Breakfast passed quietly. The aroma of rice and miso soup filled the room, but conversation was thin, careful.
Kaito glanced at Haruto, then at the faint mark on his forehead—just visible where his hair had parted slightly.
"…What happened to your forehead?" Kaito asked, voice low but direct.
Haruto's hand automatically brushed the strand of hair over it, hiding the mark. He didn't meet Kaito's eyes.
"Nothing," he said simply. Calm. Controlled.
Kaito didn't push yet. Instead, his eyes flicked to Haruto's arm, noticing the faint scab near his wrist. "…And your arm?"
Haruto shifted slightly, tucking it closer to himself. "I… got it while running."
Ayame, who had been quietly picking at her food, spoke up. "Running? At this hour?" Her brow furrowed. "All this morning?"
Haruto nodded without looking at her. "…Yeah. Just wanted to see how far I could go without getting tired."
Akari, noticing the tension, added gently, "Haruto… you should've told us. We were worried."
He shrugged lightly, still not meeting anyone's eyes. "I'm fine. Really."
Ayame exchanged a glance with Kaito, who still kept his expression unreadable. Kaito's jaw tightened slightly, but he didn't argue. Instead, he leaned back slightly, voice quieter:
"…Just… be careful next time, alright?"
Haruto finally allowed himself a small nod. Not a smile. Not thanks. Just acknowledgment.
The rest of breakfast continued in a similar quiet rhythm. The marks on Haruto's body, the hidden emotions, and the subtle questions had been acknowledged… but nothing more. Words left unsaid hung in the air, between the three of them, heavy but restrained.
Breakfast ended without incident, but the air still carried a quiet weight. Plates cleared, and the three of them moved toward the entrance, Akari making sure everyone had their bags.
Ayame adjusted hers, glancing briefly at Haruto, who walked slightly ahead of her, hair still falling over the faint marks on his forehead. Kaito followed behind, eyes flicking to him now and then, as if checking he was really okay.
The morning outside was crisp. The sun had climbed higher, casting long, thin shadows across the quiet streets. Haruto breathed in deeply, letting the cool air hit his lungs, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth—not a cheerful one, but calm and ready.
"Ready?" Ayame asked softly, breaking the silence.
Haruto gave a slight nod. "Yeah."
Akari placed a hand briefly on Ayame's shoulder. "Take care today. Don't do anything reckless."
Ayame rolled her eyes lightly but didn't argue. Her eyes lingered on Haruto for a second longer, noting the quiet focus in his step, the slight tension in his shoulders, the way his gaze cut forward, unshaken.
Kaito finally spoke, voice low, almost gruff. "…You sure you're okay?"
Haruto glanced at him briefly. "…I'm fine."
Kaito didn't push. He simply nodded and walked beside him, leaving the question hanging. It wasn't satisfaction. It wasn't worry. Just… acknowledgment.
The academy gates loomed ahead, tall and imposing, familiar yet always demanding. Students were already moving inside, the air buzzing with energy and chatter. Haruto's steps didn't falter. He moved through the crowd with ease, silent purpose in every stride.
Ayame kept pace beside him, careful not to fall behind. Kaito fell slightly back, arms folded, scanning their surroundings, but his attention kept drifting to Haruto.
They reached the main training ground. The academy's instructors were already present, supervising the early morning drills. The trio stopped for a moment at the edge, taking in the scene.
Haruto's fists clenched subtly at his sides. His resolve from last night—the run, the quiet trial he'd imposed on himself—was still present, guiding him. Today wasn't just another morning. Today, he would push himself further.
Ayame noticed it. Kaito noticed it. Even Akari, standing slightly apart, felt the subtle shift.
Haruto stepped forward. Calm. Determined. Ready.