The sun had nearly dipped behind the trees, casting the streets in long shadows as Mark walked the familiar route home. The soft hum of cicadas filled the evening air, and for once, he felt… calm. His day had been packed—saving Akane, dealing with Miyu, having an actual conversation with Akane Nanao—but now the road ahead was quiet, giving him time to breathe.
That was when he saw her.
Across the street, just outside a modest two-story house with flower pots on the window sills, stood Akiha Mamiya. The girl from class who had, for the first time ever, spoken to him earlier that day. Her soft, polite voice still echoed in his ears.
Now, though, she looked completely different—frustrated and overwhelmed. She was holding two oversized grocery bags and trying to balance a paper box on top. The box was slipping, her arms trembling as she struggled to open the front gate with her elbow.
Mark stopped walking, his eyes narrowing slightly.
He hadn't expected to see her again so soon. Something flickered through his thoughts—not exactly wicked, but something sly. Something curious. He licked his lips unconsciously and crossed the street.
"Need a hand?"
Akiha's eyes widened with relief. "Oh! Mark! I—yes, please, if it's not too much trouble."
He took the box and one of the heavier bags from her, nodding politely. "Not at all. Where to?"
"Just inside. You can leave it on the table."
They stepped into the house. The moment he crossed the threshold, he could smell freshly cooked rice and something savory simmering—soy sauce, maybe garlic. The scent made his stomach growl faintly.
"Mom! I'm back!" Akiha called into the house.
A woman poked her head from the kitchen, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Mark. Her hair was neatly tied back, her apron flour-dusted.
"Oh! You must be Akiha's classmate! Thank you for helping—please, come in! Sit, don't worry about the bags, I'll get them from here."
Before Mark could object, another voice came from the hallway. "Who's that?"
Two girls emerged—one slightly older than Akiha, the other a little younger. Both had the same dark hair and calm eyes, unmistakably sisters. The older one gave a small smile.
"That's the guy you mentioned, Akiha?"
Akiha flushed slightly. "I didn't mention him…"
The youngest girl, Natsuki, tilted her head. "He looks tired. Want some tea?"
Mark gave a chuckle. "Uh, sure, if it's not too much trouble."
Soon enough, he found himself seated on a warm, low cushion in a neatly kept living room. Akiha sat across from him, still a bit flustered by the sudden attention. Her mother set a cup of green tea in front of him, bowing slightly.
"You're very kind, helping my daughter. Please, stay as long as you like."
Mifuyu, the older sister, sat by the window, watching Mark with quiet amusement. "It's rare for Akiha to bring boys home."
"I didn't bring him," Akiha said, voice rising slightly. "He just—helped me, that's all."
Mark chuckled. "It's fine. I get it. I was just walking by and saw her struggling. I couldn't ignore that."
Akiha gave him a quiet smile. "Thank you again, Mark."
He looked around the room as he sipped the tea. It felt peaceful. Lived in. There were small trinkets on the shelves, framed photos of family trips, even a potted plant that looked well cared for. It was nothing like the cold silence of his own home.
He didn't realize how long he'd been staring until Natsuki spoke.
"You okay?"
Mark blinked. "Yeah. Sorry. Just... nice place."
"You can come by again," she said innocently, earning a quick "Natsuki!" from Akiha.
Mifuyu laughed. "Don't tease him. I'm sure he's got his own family to go back to."
Mark looked down into his cup. His voice was quiet. "Not really."
The room fell into a brief silence. Akiha looked at him, sensing something more behind those words, but she didn't push.
After a moment, their mother stood up. "Well, dinner's almost ready. Mark, you're welcome to join us—unless your family is expecting you?"
Mark shook his head. "No one's waiting at home. But I don't want to intrude…"
"It's no intrusion," she said with a gentle smile. "We like having guests."
Mark hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Then I'd love to."
Akiha smiled again, more relaxed this time. Her shoulders weren't so stiff. Her tone softened. "I guess today wasn't as strange as it started."
"No," Mark agreed. "It wasn't."