That night, Hazuki lay back on the floor of the living room, arms folded behind his head, eyes half-lidded as he stared at the ceiling.
The house was quiet. The kids were already tucked into their new beds, their soft breathing filling the silence of the night like a lullaby.
He sighed, belly full, body sore, but his mind unusually clear.
Then—
Tap. Tap.
Soft footsteps.
Hazuki turned his head slightly. A faint rustle came from the hallway. In the dim lantern light, a silhouette appeared.
Kisha stood there in a thin nightgown, her hair loosely tied, and a nervous look on her face.
He raised an eyebrow. "Huh? Why are you standing there?"
Kisha hesitated, then slowly stepped into the room, her bare feet brushing the floorboards. She sat down beside him, lowering herself as if unsure whether to sit or kneel.
Hazuki leaned his head away, suspicious. "Oi... What do you want?"
