Part 1 — Normal doesn't last long
Kaito leaned back first, letting out a long breath.
"...I'm full."
"You said that halfway through," Haruto replied, already collecting the empty bowls.
"I was predicting the future."
"You were just eating slowly."
Ayame stood up and gently pushed her chair in.
"Don't just sit there. Help clean."
Kaito groaned.
"...The peace didn't even last five seconds."
"It lasted longer than usual," Haruto said.
That alone made Kaito stop complaining for a moment.
The three of them worked together to clear the table.
Bowls were stacked, chopsticks gathered, and the last of the food carefully covered and placed away.
Soon, the kitchen was clean again.
Haruto washed his hands and nodded.
"Kitchen's done."
Kaito stretched.
"I deserve recognition."
"For what?"
"Surviving dinner."
Ayame ignored him.
"Now the hall."
They moved into the living room.
Cushions were scattered, a blanket lay half-folded on the sofa, and a few books were still left open from earlier.
Kaito stared at it.
"...We didn't even fight that much today."
Haruto picked up a book and closed it.
"That's because you were eating."
"Multitasking."
"That's not what that means."
Ayame folded her arms.
"Fix everything properly."
The boys didn't argue this time.
They started cleaning.
Haruto stacked the books neatly on the shelf.
Kaito picked up the cushions and returned them to the sofa, occasionally pretending he was "strategically reorganizing."
"Why are you shaking the cushion?"
"It's part of cleaning."
"It's not."
"It is in my method."
Haruto sighed but didn't stop him.
The room slowly became tidy again.
Ayame watched them for a moment.
Then—
She stopped.
A faint feeling brushed through her chest.
Not loud.
Not strong.
Just… strange.
Her eyes shifted slightly toward the hallway.
Haruto and Kaito were still talking behind her.
Nothing unusual.
Still…
She turned her head once, scanning the room carefully.
Then softly said,
"I'll be back."
Haruto didn't look up.
"Okay."
Kaito waved slightly.
"Don't take too long, sis."