Part 3: A Knock That Shouldn't Exist
Students shot up, packing everything as fast as they could.
Haruto practically bounced out of his seat, too excited to walk. He slung his bag over his shoulder and bolted out the door.
"Aka!!" he shouted the moment he saw her outside.
Akari barely had time to turn before Haruto threw his arms around her in a tight hug.
She laughed softly, patting his back.
Kaito and Ayame stumbled out moments later, out of breath from sprinting after him.
"Haruto—slow… down…" Kaito wheezed.
Ayame nodded rapidly, hands on her knees. "You're too fast…"
Haruto just grinned, still hugging Akari.
Together, the triplets and Akari began walking home, the glow of Haruto's silver eyes shining the whole way.
The walk home was peaceful, Haruto still glowing with excitement.
When they reached the house and stepped inside, he immediately looked up at Akari.
"Aka, did Brother Renjiro come back from his mission?"
Akari nodded, removing her sandals.
"Yes. Renjiro returned early this morning. He was exhausted, so he's sleeping."
Haruto's eyes softened with relief.
They all washed up, and soon the family gathered for lunch.
The table was lively—Haruto talking nonstop about Daigo's lesson, Kaito correcting him every few sentences, and Ayame smiling at both of them.
After lunch, the triplets scattered.
Haruto grabbed his favorite book—Shizue Aragi's Adventures—plopped down on the floor cushion, and opened it immediately.
Kaito, already flipping through his notes, glanced at him.
"Haruto, come on. Study. The exam is tomorrow."
Ayame nodded firmly.
"He's right. If you fail, you'll cry later."
Haruto didn't look up.
"I won't fail… and this book is important."
Ayame sighed. Kaito just shook his head and kept studying.
Time passed quietly until soft footsteps sounded from the hallway.
Renjiro appeared, stretching and yawning, still looking tired from his mission.
Haruto's book hit the floor instantly.
"BROTHER RENJIRO!"
Haruto ran forward and hugged him tightly. As he looked up, his silver eyes caught the light.
Renjiro froze for a split second… then smiled warmly, his expression filled with relief and happiness. He gently ruffled Haruto's hair.
"…Your eyes are back," he said softly. "I'm glad."
Haruto nodded excitedly, his eyes shining even brighter.
"Tell me about Fire Style! Daigo Sensei started teaching today!"
Renjiro chuckled and sat down with him, explaining the basics, sharing stories from his academy days, and giving little tips that Haruto soaked up like a sponge.
Evening arrived, and they ate dinner together—warm, calm, and full of laughter.
Afterward, Haruto didn't waste a second.
He darted to his room, grabbed his futon and pillow, and started dragging them toward Akari's room like always.
But—
As he lifted the futon into his arms, he suddenly froze.
Knock.
A sharp, unexpected tap on his window.
Not the door.
Not the hallway.
The window.