Aramaki doesn't notice her yet, lost in the rhythm, punishing the tree with each blow, his face carved in feral focus.
In the garden, Kaori hums softly as she tends the lettuces, a baby swaddled to her back. The lullaby drifts through the air, fragile but steady, as if her voice alone balances the weight pressing on their lives.
When she wipes her brow, only then does she notice Aki.
"Excuse me," she calls gently. "Can I help you?"
Aramaki stops mid-combination, turns, and narrows his eyes at the stranger.
Aki bows quickly. "Sorry, Aramaki-san! I didn't mean to interrupt."
"Do I know you?" he asks, voice flat.
"My name is Fujimori Aki. Journalist, Boxing Spirit Weekly. I came to interview you about the Rookie King match against Ryoma Takeda."
Aramaki frowns, glancing at his wife. For a rookie with only three fights, he feels it far too early for any press.
