In the restaurant, Yuzuru, Akarin, and Kenta sat at a table laden with an array of appetizing dishes. Their conversation flowed easily at first, accompanied by smiles and laughter, but there was an underlying tension that lingered in the air.
Kenta, casually slicing into his steak, glanced at Akarin with a grin. "So, Akarin, what's your plan now? Are you ready to dive back into the family company?"
Akarin took a sip of water, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Hmm, maybe not just yet. After all that studying in America, I think I deserve a little break. Don't you think? Some time to recharge before jumping into the corporate grind." She laughed lightly, trying to keep the atmosphere lighthearted.
Yuzuru nodded in agreement, a small smile playing on his lips. "That sounds like a good idea. More time to relax and enjoy life."
Kenta's grin widened as he leaned back in his chair. "Oh, speaking of family news, Miyu's pregnant again! We're having our second child!"
Akarin's eyes lit up with genuine joy. "Really? That's wonderful news! Kaito's going to be a big brother now! I'm so happy for you both!. I can't wait to see Kaito again! " Her voice brimmed with excitement.
Yuzuru smiled at the announcement, but his gaze dropped to the table. His expression was warm but distant, as though lost in thought.
Kenta, always eager to stir the pot, smirked and turned his attention to Yuzuru. "Who knows, maybe Shiori will be next. Imagine that-little Kaito becoming a big brother for his cousin!"
The statement hung in the air for a moment. Akarin's smile faltered, and Yuzuru shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Akarin, sitting beside Yuzuru, turned sharply toward Kenta, her expression hardening.
"Oniichan!" Akarin's voice cut through the air, sharp and firm. "That's not something you joke about. You know how sensitive that topic can be for people. Don't be so thoughtless."
The mood in the room shifted instantly, the warmth replaced by a palpable tension. Yuzuru's eyes widened slightly at Akarin's sudden outburst, while Kenta looked momentarily taken aback before raising his hands in mock surrender.
"Alright, alright," Kenta said, his tone softer, though still tinged with his usual charm. "I didn't mean anything by it. It was just a joke." He glanced at Yuzuru with a more apologetic expression. "No offense, Yuzuru. Really."
Akarin's gaze didn't waver, her voice still low but resolute. "It's not about intent, Oniichan. Some things shouldn't be joked about. Family is a personal matter."
Silence fell over the table. Akarin's eyes flickered with frustration, and Yuzuru offered a small, awkward nod, trying to defuse the situation. Kenta looked down at his plate, a rare moment of unease crossing his face.
Breaking the silence, Yuzuru gave a strained smile. "It's fine, Akarin. You don't have to be so serious about it. I'm sure Kenta didn't mean any harm." He glanced at Akarin, his tone gentle, as though trying to reassure her.
Akarin sighed, visibly trying to rein in her emotions. "I know," she said, her voice softer now. "But still, it's important to be mindful of how we talk about these things."
She turned her attention to Yuzuru, her expression shifting to one of warmth. "I just want to see Kaito again. It's been so long. I miss that little guy!"
Yuzuru's shoulders relaxed slightly, a genuine smile returning to his face. "He'll be thrilled to see you. I'll make sure it happens Akarin."
Kenta, sensing the tension beginning to dissipate, seized the opportunity to lighten the mood. "Well, Akarin, Kaito will be over the moon to see you. Maybe we should throw a little family dinner-make it a big reunion!" His tone was playful, his signature mischievous grin back in place.
Akarin smiled faintly, her earlier annoyance fading, though a trace of unease lingered. The atmosphere softened, but the undercurrent of tension between Akarin and Kenta remained, a subtle reminder of the line that had almost been crossed.
---
In the dining room of Kenta's home when it's dinner time, a grand table was laden with a feast of tempting dishes. Laughter and warm chatter filled the air as Yuzuru and Shiori's families gathered to celebrate Akarin's return. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming-except for one person. Shiori sat quietly at the far end of the table, her presence subdued, her expression distant.
Akarin, seated near the center, glanced toward Shiori. Unlike the others, who were savoring the delicious spread, Shiori merely toyed with the food on her plate, her gaze fixed on some indeterminate spot beyond the room.
Kenta, ever the cheerful host, broke the silence with a wide grin. "It's so wonderful to have you back, Akarin! Everyone missed you-especially Yuzuru." His eyes twinkled mischievously as he turned toward her.
Akarin smiled warmly, touched by the sentiment. "I've missed everyone too. Thank you for waiting for me."
Her words were sincere, but her attention drifted back to Shiori, whose sullen demeanor stood out amidst the cheerful gathering. Shiori had barely touched her food, her vacant stare unbroken. Concerned, Akarin leaned slightly in her direction, her voice soft and inviting.
"Shiori Oneechan," Akarin began gently, "aren't you eating? The food looks amazing. You should try some."
Shiori turned her head, her expression cold and her voice clipped. "I'm not hungry."
The frosty reply hung in the air, and Akarin hesitated, taken aback. Determined not to let the moment sour the evening, she stood and moved closer to Shiori, her tone as kind as ever.
"Oneechan," Akarin tried again, offering a reassuring smile, "let me help you. Maybe if you eat a little, you'll feel better."
But Shiori's reaction was swift and unkind. She shot Akarin a sharp look, brushing her hand away harshly before clutching Yuzuru's hand, as though seeking refuge. "Don't bother me. I don't need your help."
The sudden tension was palpable. The lively conversation around the table faltered, and all eyes turned toward them. Akarin froze, stunned by Shiori's rejection. The hostility in her tone left a sting, but Akarin masked her hurt with composure.
Yuzuru, sensing the unease, placed his hand gently over Shiori's, his voice soft and calming. "Shiori," he said quietly, "let's go to the guest room for a bit. You can rest there."
Without a word, Shiori rose from her seat, her face set in a deep frown, and followed Yuzuru out of the dining room. Akarin watched them leave, a mix of confusion and worry flickering across her face.
Kenta cleared his throat, drawing Akarin's attention back to him, he said lightly, though his tone carried a hint of apology, "Don't worry about Shiori. She hasn't changed. She just needs some space."
Akarin nodded slowly, though the encounter had left her unsettled. "I understand," she replied, forcing a faint smile. "Maybe she just needs time to adjust to everything."
Kenta grinned, eager to dispel the lingering awkwardness. "Exactly! Now, come on, Akarin. You've traveled so far-you deserve to enjoy this meal. Let's not let anything spoil it."
Akarin returned to her seat, her smile more composed, though her mind remained clouded with thoughts of Shiori. She picked at her food, her appetite dampened by the encounter. Though she didn't say a word, she couldn't shake the feeling that Shiori's hostility wasn't merely about needing space. Something deeper was at play, and Akarin couldn't help but wonder what it might be.