Part 3 — The Terrace Conversation
Ayame walked toward the hallway.
Her footsteps were quiet.
As she passed the corner, she slowed down.
She glanced back once.
The boys were still cleaning.
Still talking.
Still normal.
She exhaled slowly.
Then continued toward the back door.
Each step quieter than the last.
Until she reached the terrace entrance.
Ayame stepped onto the terrace and quietly closed the door behind her.
The cool night breeze brushed against her face as she slowly walked to the railing.
She rested her arms on it and looked out over the sleeping village.
"...Sorry."
A voice answered almost immediately.
"You said you wanted to talk."
"I know."
"Then why didn't you?"
Ayame glanced back toward the house.
"Haruto and Kaito were still awake."
She let out a small sigh.
"If you had spoken any louder..."
"...they would've heard."
"You're always worrying about that."
"...Someone has to."
The voice went quiet.
For a while...
Neither of them spoke.
Only the wind filled the silence.
After a moment, Ayame smiled faintly.
"...Haruto smiled today."
"He did."
"He looked happier."
She lowered her eyes.
"...But I don't think he really is."
"Neither do I."
Ayame remained silent.
Her fingers gently traced the wooden railing.
"...Can I ask you something?"
"Go on."
She hesitated.
"...Will you protect Haruto and Kaito?"
There wasn't even a second's pause.
"No."
Ayame looked down.
"...I thought so."
"Protect yourself first."
She shook her head.
"...They're more important."
"If we protect them..."
"We both die."
Ayame quietly sighed.
"...I know."
"Then why ask?"
She smiled gently.
"...Because they're my brothers."
The voice fell silent.
After a long moment...
"...You're hopeless."
Ayame let out a tiny laugh.
"...That's what Haruto says too."
The cold breeze drifted across the terrace once more.
For a while...
Neither of them spoke.
They simply watched the quiet village beneath the winter sky.
Ayame smiled softly.
"...Thanks."
"For what?"
"For listening."
A brief silence followed.
"I didn't agree."
"I know."
She let out a small laugh.
"But you still listened."
The voice didn't respond immediately.
Then—
"Go."
"Your brothers are waiting."
Ayame nodded.
"...Good night."
"Good night, Ayame."
She stood up and brushed the dust from her clothes.
Taking one last look at the peaceful village below, she turned toward the door.
Sliding it open quietly, she stepped back inside the warm house.