"Thanks for the meal."
The three of them finished the short prayer together as the dining room grew quiet.
The soft clatter of chopsticks against ceramic faded as Aiko collected the plates with her usual calm rhythm.
Suzune stretched her arms up, satisfied, while Seijirou leaned back slightly and let out a small breath, the warmth of the home, the faint citrus scent of Aiko's cleaning products, and the familiar lighting made the entire scene feel almost unreal to him.
When was the last time he actually had dinner with others?
"I'll wash the dishes." Said Aiko, "Kageyama-kun, you can go and take a bath. If you're staying for the night, you can use the guest room."
Seijirou nodded. "Thank you, Miss Korukawa."
He stood and headed down the hallway, his steps echoed lightly on the polished wooden floor while looking around in wonder.
