Part 3 — A House Too Quiet
Soft morning light slowly entered through the windows.
The house remained quiet.
Too quiet.
For a few moments—
only the faint sound of wind outside could be heard.
Then slowly—
Kaito moved beneath his blanket first.
"…Mm…"
He rubbed one eye tiredly before sitting up halfway.
Still sleepy.
Still not fully awake.
The room felt colder than usual this morning.
Kaito yawned loudly while dragging himself out of bed.
"…Why is morning so early…"
No one answered.
Because Ayame was still asleep nearby.
Kaito lazily walked out of the room and toward the bathroom first.
A few minutes later—
the sound of running water echoed softly through the quiet house.
He splashed water onto his face several times.
Trying to wake himself properly.
Then finally looked up into the mirror.
Silence.
Something still felt strange.
Kaito stood there thinking for a second.
Then suddenly realized why.
The house was too quiet.
Usually by now:
Akari was already awake, breakfast sounds started, footsteps moved through the kitchen, someone was telling him to hurry already
But now—
nothing.
Kaito slowly stepped out of the bathroom again.
"…Aka…?"
No response.
He looked toward the kitchen.
Empty.
Toward the living room.
Empty.
His sleepy expression slowly faded.
"…Aka?"
Still nothing.
At that moment—
Ayame slowly stepped out from the hallway, still fixing her hair slightly.
"…Why are you yelling in the morning…"
Kaito looked toward her.
"…I can't find Aka."
Ayame paused slightly.
Then looked around too.
The silence inside the house immediately felt heavier.
"…Maybe she's outside."
Kaito shook his head slowly.
"…Her shoes are gone."
That made Ayame stop completely.
For a second—
neither of them spoke.
Then Ayame quietly lowered her gaze slightly.
Like she already understood before saying it aloud.
"…Wake Haruto."
Kaito nodded slowly.
The two quietly walked toward the living room together.