The next day.
The sun filtered softly through the front gates of the small countryside orphanage—the same one that had raised Haruki long ago.
"Haruki onii-san!!"
A wave of excited children rushed toward him, arms wide and voices bright.
Haruki laughed, crouching slightly as he welcomed them with open arms, his bag brimming with sweets, fruits, and neatly packed food containers.
"Whoa, slow down! There's enough for everyone!"
He began handing things out, letting each child choose, ruffling a few heads, smiling as the kids eagerly unwrapped candies and peeked into the bags.
From nearby, the older caretaker couple watched with fond eyes, standing by the low steps of the main house.
"You never change, Haruki-kun," the woman chuckled warmly. "Still spoiling them."
Haruki grinned. "They deserve it."
Suddenly—a hush fell over the crowd of children.
All heads turned toward the front entrance.
Footsteps.
Soft.
Deliberate.
And then they saw her.
