The soft hum of the television echoed from the living room as Natsumi played gently with Yohan and Yumi on the cushioned playmat. The twins made soft cooing sounds, reaching their tiny arms toward her curious fingers. Natsumi giggled when Yumi latched onto her pinkie, gently swinging it like a prize. Ai peeked from the hallway, smiling fondly at the scene—her heart full.
Dinner was finished, dishes cleaned, and Reina had left with Mizuki, insisting on escorting her home personally with a teasing wink thrown our way. Now, the house was mostly quiet, the soft rustling of blankets and the occasional baby squeal the only sounds left.
Ai turned to me in the dim hallway light.
I didn't speak.
I simply took her hand and guided her toward our bedroom door.
She followed without hesitation.
The moment the door clicked shut behind us, the soft ambience of family life vanished, replaced by the still air of our room. Familiar, warm. Ours.
I turned the lock.
