The laughter that had shaken the table slowly began to settle. The chaos of Asahi's sniffing crusade, the explosions of blushing faces, and the endless teasing finally mellowed into soft chuckles and warm breaths. Plates had been emptied, utensils clinked in contentment, and the last bits of omelet and fruit had vanished into satisfied bellies.
The grandfather clock in the living room chimed noon.
Aiko gently patted Asahi's back, helping him wash down his last bite with a sip of juice. Ai stretched languidly beside Shin, head tipping lightly to rest against his shoulder. Rika dabbed the corner of her mouth with a napkin, her cheeks still tinged pink from the earlier embarrassment. Yuki… well, Yuki had buried his face in his folded arms and hadn't moved for a full five minutes.
Then, in the middle of the soft hum of post-meal relaxation, Shin shifted forward.
Everyone glanced up. Even Yuki peeked out from behind his arms, suspicious.
Shin cleared his throat, casually but with a strange weight. His fingers tapped the wood of the table, slow and deliberate. Ai turned her head, sensing the change in mood instantly. Aiko stopped mid-giggle and looked at him with curiosity. Asahi tilted his head.
Shin drew in a breath, then gave them that familiar lopsided grin — the one he always wore when he was about to say something that would either melt hearts or set them on fire.
"Alright," he said, voice low but clear. "Now that breakfast is done... there's something I wanna talk to you all about."
Asahi immediately perked up, "Huh? What is it, Onii-Chan?"
Ai leaned closer, her grip around his arm tightening ever so slightly. Shin glanced down at her and smiled reassuringly before lifting his gaze.
"It's about living together."
The room quieted.
Shin looked at each of them, one by one — his eyes settling with love, warmth, and a gentle sense of responsibility.
"Ai lives with me already," he began, nudging her shoulder gently. "And Asahi's with us for until we all take him back to Mom and Dad." He ruffled the little boy's hair, making him beam proudly.
"So this isn't about them," Shin continued. "This is about the rest of you."
Rika blinked.
Aiko's brows lifted, a slow smile forming on her lips.
Yuki sat up straighter, suspicious.
Shin's tone turned just a shade more serious, though his eyes never lost their warmth. "Aiko already agreed. She'll be moving in. Officially."
Aiko gave a small, proud nod, almost smug, wrapping her arms around herself as though wrapping up in the comfort of the decision. "Taa-Kun's place has better lighting anyway," she said lightly. "And I get to wake up to coffee and him. Win-win."
Asahi clapped, clearly excited. "Yay! More people in the house!"
Shin let the excitement settle before turning to the one person who had yet to respond — Yuki.
The boy froze as every pair of eyes drifted to him.
"…W-What?" he asked, instantly defensive. His ears already had a tinge of red. "Don't look at me like that!"
"Yuki," Shin said calmly, the corners of his lips twitching up, "I want you to come live with us too."
"I—" Yuki's mouth snapped shut, his expression a storm of panic, confusion, and blushes. "W-Why the hell would I—?! I mean—W-What kind of idiot just—! That's… stupid! You're stupid!"
Shin just kept smiling.
Aiko covered her mouth, trying not to burst out laughing again. Ai giggled behind her hand. Even Rika smiled quietly.
Yuki slammed his hand down on the table. "Don't look at me like you knew I'd say yes or something! You're all so—! Tch!"
He stood up suddenly. "It's not like I want to live with you or anything! Baka!"
Then, in a much softer tone, barely audible:
"…but if there's a spare room… I… I guess I could… maybe…"
He sat down again, crossing his arms and looking away with the biggest blush on his face.
Asahi squealed, jumping in his seat. "Yuki-Nii said yes!!"
Aiko laughed openly, reaching over to poke Yuki's puffed-out cheek. "Awwww, our little tsundere is moving in!"
"I'm not little!" Yuki snapped.
"Of course not, boyfriend," Shin teased, leaning on one arm.
Yuki nearly fell out of his chair.
Ai's voice cut in, light but just a bit pouty. "Onii-Chan…" she said quietly.
Shin turned.
She looked at him from under her lashes, her lips puffed slightly. "That's everyone now, huh?"
He reached over, brushing his fingers under her chin gently. "You're already with me, Ai."
She bit her lip. "…But I wanted to hear you ask me to stay too."
Shin paused for a beat, then leaned in and whispered, "Then stay forever."
Ai melted into him instantly, burying her face into his shoulder with a little muffled squeak. "Stupid Onii-Chan…"
The mood was warm, full of rising light and gentle affection — but just across the table, someone had gone quiet.
Rika.
Her gaze was lowered, fingers fiddling with the corner of her napkin. She didn't speak. She didn't pout. But the softness in her usual bright eyes dimmed.
Shin noticed instantly.
He shifted forward and spoke her name with quiet care. "Rika."
She glanced up, surprised.
"I know you can't live with me," he said, no teasing in his voice now. Just a calm understanding. "You live with your parents. You're fifteen. I know it's not that simple for you."
Her throat bobbed with a silent nod. "Y-Yeah…"
"But," Shin said gently, leaning slightly forward across the table, "you're welcome every single day. For breakfast, lunch, dinner. For movies, games, cuddles, sleepovers, anything. This house — this family — always has room for you. You're part of us."
Rika's eyes trembled. Her lips parted, but for a second, no words came out.
Then Ai was suddenly there, reaching over and pulling Rika into a tight side hug. "You're my best friend, Rika. Don't even think of feeling left out. We'll make a permanent bed spot for you. With fluffy blankets. And your favorite tea."
"I can even set up your own snack shelf!" Asahi offered cheerfully.
"You can use my shower whenever," Aiko added with a grin.
Yuki mumbled, "I… I'll save you space on the couch if you want…"
Rika's eyes brimmed. She wiped at them quickly and gave a watery smile. "You guys… are way too nice."
Shin smiled softly. "That's what makes it feel like home."
The table sat quiet for a moment, the kind of silence that wasn't empty — but full. Full of love, connection, unspoken promises, and new beginnings.
Rika breathed out and nodded. "Okay. I'll come by. Every day."
Ai squeezed her tighter. "Good. Because we love you, Rika."
Rika beamed through her tears. "I love you too."
Shin leaned back with a satisfied breath. His family — complicated, chaotic, intense — was together.
And that was all he needed.
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END OF CHAPTER : 197 : ALL TOGETHER NOW!
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