By late afternoon, Ryoma steps out of the gym with Aramaki. The winter light is thin but steady, the kind that makes the street look quieter than it really is.
For once, there are no journalists waiting outside.
Aramaki walks beside him, hands in his pockets, silent, already rehearsing words he hasn't spoken yet.
Takeda's barbershop is warm when they arrive. The bell above the door rings softly, familiar.
"We are back," Ryoma greets.
Kaori sits near the window with Nanako perched on her lap, the little girl absorbed in a picture book while Fumiko trims an elderly customer's hair with steady hands.
Aramaki goes to his wife first. "Um… Kaori. I'm heading to Australia," he says. "Ryoma's OPBF title fight. I'll be helping in his corner."
Kaori's eyes light up instantly. "Australia?" she repeats, turning toward Ryoma. "An OPBF title? That's amazing." She moves to Fumiko's chair, excitement spilling over as she shares the news.
