When Renjiro reached Kael's bungalow, the gatekeeper came over and knocked on the car window. Renjiro rolled it down and asked, "Yes?"
The gatekeeper bowed. "Sir, Mr. Kael isn't inside."
Renjiro lowered the rear passenger window. "Look..."
The gatekeeper peered inside, saw Kael resting on the back seat, and quickly opened the gates. Sara pulled up right behind Renjiro in Kael's car. Without asking any questions, the gatekeeper bowed as they drove past.
Renjiro parked, stepped out, and opened the rear door to lift Kael out. Sara turned off her engine, walked over, and supported Kael from the other side. Together, they carried him into the bungalow.
Inside, Rexon greeted them with a look of worry. "Oh... what happened to Kael?"
"We'll tell you later, but please open the door first," Renjiro said.
Rexon ran ahead and opened the bedroom door. They brought Kael inside and laid him gently on the bed. Exhausted, Sara let out a heavy sigh, went to the kitchen, and drank a full glass of water.
Renjiro walked into the living room, sat on the sofa, and turned on the television. He flipped to a news channel where a breaking headline was flashing across the screen: A new crisis has arisen: Orphaned children are vanishing.
Renjiro clicked his tongue in annoyance. "What on earth?"
He switched channels, but the same news was everywhere. It was a worldwide issue—orphan children were being kidnapped, with major cases reported in America, China, Germany, and India. Even countries claiming to have eliminated child abductions were facing this sudden wave.
Renjiro raised an eyebrow and changed the channel again. Two political parties—the Indian Communist Party (ICP) and the Indian Liberal Party (ILP)—were debating the topic.
The ICP argued, "This is a global problem, so it isn't just an issue in our country."
The ILP fired back, "You failed to enforce strict laws, and now you're hiding behind global excuses!"
Sara walked in, looked at the TV, and sighed. "Ah... another problem. It's mostly affecting those poor orphans."
"How old are these kids?" Renjiro asked.
Sara rested her chin on her hand, looking up at the ceiling. "I think... around 10 to 12 years old. Especially those abandoned by their parents."
Renjiro leaned back in his chair. "Who cares?"
On screen, the ILP spokesman continued, "How can you govern a nation that worked so hard to reach the top four economic rankings, with fast development, strong laws, and equal respect for all religions and education?"
The ICP spokesman replied, "And those milestones were achieved under our government!"
Renjiro chuckled. "No wonder nobody votes for the ILP anymore. They've lost their minds."
The ICP representative then addressed the camera directly: "We will hold an international emergency meeting to form an association. Orphans are the future of our nation, and stopping the gang behind this is our top priority."
The news anchor added, "While this crisis grows, our government will host a meeting. However, the date, time, and venue remain classified."
Another headline flashed across the screen: ALL NEWS BROADCASTS AND MEDIA APPLICATIONS WILL BE SUSPENDED BY THE GOVERNMENT UNTIL THE EMERGENCY MEETING CONCLUDES.
Renjiro laughed. "What a nightmare for the news reporters. This is going to be the worst week in media history." He switched to a sports channel, where a football match between Japan and Spain was being abandoned due to heavy rain.
In the bedroom, Kael stirred, frowning as he woke up. He opened his door and shouted into the hallway, "Who is watching videos on their phone in the office?!"
Renjiro raised an eyebrow. "I'm watching television."
"Television?" Kael blinked, opening his eyes fully as he realized he was in his own house. He muttered, "When did I get here?"
Sara called out, "You were crying back at the office, so we picked you up and brought you home."
Kael looked down, his face turning red with embarrassment. "I'm sorry..."
Renjiro's expression softened slightly, though he kept his tone firm. "Kael, you need to cry it all out in your room. You have to accept the truth."
Kael nodded quietly. "Yeah..."
To lighten the mood, Renjiro smirked and called out loudly, "Is dinner ready? I'm starving!"
Rexon called back from the kitchen, "Yes, the food is ready!"
Kael put his hands on his hips. "Renjiro, he isn't a servant."
"And I'm a guest," Renjiro replied smoothly.
Kael walked over. "Who said you're a guest? You're my brother."
"Oh really?" Renjiro grinned devilishly and tossed a sofa pillow straight at him.
Kael caught it and threw it right back. "You started it!"
Renjiro stood near the doorway, making annoying faces to tease him. Annoyed, Kael threw another pillow. Renjiro ducked forward to dodge it—just as Sara opened her bedroom door after taking a bath. The pillow hit her straight in the face.
Silence fell over the hallway.
Kael looked around nervously and dropped his hands, while Renjiro slowly tried to sneak toward the kitchen.
Sara wiped her face, sighed heavily, and said, "Renjiro! Kael! Come here!"
Renjiro offered an awkward smile, while Kael walked over meekly. Pointing a finger, Renjiro blurted out, "Kael threw it!"
"Kneel down. Both of you," Sara commanded.
Shocked, both men sat on their knees. Kael kept his head down in shame.
"Why are you acting like this?" Sara scolded gently. "Are you two children? You could have broken the TV, or worse, someone could have been hurt!"
Renjiro looked away and muttered under his breath, "Like I can't heal myself."
"But Kael can't heal himself," Sara retorted.
Renjiro looked at her and softened. "Sorry." Kael quickly chimed in with his own apology.
Rexon stood by the doorway, leaning against the frame and chuckling softly at the sight.
Sara shook her head with a smile. "Alright, I want to eat dinner."
"Me too!" Renjiro chimed in, scrambling to his feet.
As they all sat at the dining table, Sara gasped jokingly, "Boys really never grow up, do they?"
Renjiro grinned. "Nope. We're all just big kids at heart."
Sara teased back, "Yeah—kids with great powers."
Renjiro rolled his eyes. "Always with the advice!"
Kael laughed, his face brightening. "Thanks for making me happy and lively again."
Rexon, taking a bite of his food, asked, "How did you know we were trying to cheer you up?"
"The moment Renjiro started trouble," Kael smiled. He stood up, walked over to Rexon, and hugged him tightly. "Thanks for keeping my business and private life settled."
He then moved to Sara and hugged her. "And thank you for your advice and for refreshing my mood."
Finally, Kael turned toward Renjiro. Renjiro immediately turned away and crossed his arms with a playful pout. "Saving me for last? Am I not your priority?"
Sara smiled helplessly. Kael chuckled softly. "Of course you are. You're my brother, and you are my priority."
Renjiro turned around, raising an eyebrow. "Really?"
"Really."
Renjiro stood up and wrapped Kael in a tight hug. "Kael, thanks for making my dark life so beautiful."
Kael held on tightly, his voice emotional. "Thank you for making me feel better, even while you were facing your own pain."
Tears welled up in their eyes. Watching them, Rexon wiped a tear from his cheek, while Sara quickly dried her eyes with a smile.
"Alright, stop it, you two," Sara said softly. "You're going to make us all cry."