The dining table was just a few steps away—within the kitchen's space, separate from the main living area. The doorway leading out of the kitchen connected to the hallway and the living room, but for now, everything was centered around the warm glow of the kitchen lights.
Oliver helped unpack the food while Yuki grabbed plates and utensils. The aroma of fresh takeout filled the air—steamed rice, grilled fish, crispy tempura, and a container of miso soup still warm to the touch. Reina had also picked up some yakitori skewers and a side of gyoza, knowing they were Yuki's favorite.
Yuki set the table while Oliver handed her the dishes, their movements easy and natural. Reina poured tea for everyone, then took a seat, letting out a small sigh of contentment.
"Got your favorite," she said with a smile, nudging the gyoza toward Yuki.
Yuki's face lit up slightly as she picked up a piece. "Thanks, Mom."
Oliver took a bite of the grilled fish, nodding in approval. "This place is good. Where'd you order from?"
"A small spot nearby," Reina replied. "They use charcoal grilling for the fish—it makes all the difference."
Yuki nodded as she popped another gyoza into her mouth. "Yeah, it's really good."
As they ate, the conversation flowed easily between them. Oliver asked Yuki about her day, and she told him about her classes and the project she was working on with a group of friends.
Reina listened in amusement as Yuki animatedly described their plans for a presentation next week.
"Sounds like you're really enjoying your studies," Oliver commented with a smile.
Yuki nodded eagerly. "I am! But I can't wait to graduate, though."
Reina chuckled softly. "You say that now, but when it actually happens... you'll probably miss it," Reina finished with a knowing smile.
Yuki made a face. "Doubt it. I'm ready to be done with exams and group projects."
Oliver chuckled, reaching for another piece of tempura. "Yeah, but then comes work, responsibilities, and wishing you could go back to just stressing over tests."
Yuki sighed dramatically. "Don't remind me."
Reina smirked. "Well, at least enjoy it while you can. Once you're working, you'll look back and realize how easy you had it."
Yuki playfully rolled her eyes.
They continued eating, the warm atmosphere making the late-night dinner feel more like a small family gathering. The conversation shifted to lighter topics—funny stories from Reina's work, Oliver mentioning a weird customer he'd encountered at his part-time job, and Yuki talking about an upcoming school event.
After a while, Reina leaned back in her chair, sipping her tea with a satisfied sigh. "That hit the spot."
Oliver stretched his arms. "Yeah, I needed that."
Yuki nodded, finishing the last bite of her gyoza before glancing at the clock.
Reina followed her gaze. "You should probably get some more rest, sweetheart."
Yuki yawned but didn't move just yet. "I will in a bit."
Oliver stood and began clearing the table. "I'll help clean up."
Reina smiled at him. "Thanks, Oliver."
Yuki watched them for a moment, then got up to put her dishes in the sink. "I'll help too."
With all three of them working together, the cleanup was quick, leaving the kitchen spotless once more.
As Reina dried the last dish, she glanced at Yuki. "Are you heading to bed now?"
Yuki hesitated for a second before nodding. "Yeah… goodnight, Mom. Night, Oliver-senpai."
"Goodnight, sweetheart," Reina said warmly.
"Night, and I probably should get my uniform and get outta here," Oliver added as he fixed his hair slightly and began buttoning up his shirt.
He then traced his eyes down Yuki's naked body; in a rush, she hadn't put on any clothes after waking up, leaving her clearly swollen lower lips and slightly bruised areas on her hips and ass bare for the world to see. "Make sure you get some proper rest, and if you don't feel well tomorrow, don't push yourself to go to school, okay?"
"Oh... right. Goodnight," she said softly, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks as she turned and left the kitchen.
As the warmth of the kitchen faded behind them, Reina walked beside Oliver, their footsteps soft against the wooden floor. The dim glow from the living room lamps cast long shadows along the walls, making the space feel quieter and more intimate.
Reina moved ahead slightly, stopping near the couch where she had neatly placed his school sweater and bag. She picked them up with practiced ease, then turned to face him, holding them out.
"Here," she said, her voice calm but firm.
Oliver took them with a smirk. "Thanks. Guess I was in too much of a rush earlier."
Reina arched a brow, crossing her arms. "You don't say."
He chuckled, slipping into his sweater and adjusting the collar of his shirt before slinging his bag over one shoulder. She watched him for a moment, her expression unreadable, before motioning toward the door. Without another word, they walked together down the hallway, the soft creak of the floor beneath them the only sound.
Once they reached the entryway, Oliver set his bag down for a moment, bending down to put on his shoes. Reina leaned against the doorway, arms still folded, watching him with a look that was somewhere between amusement and something softer—something unspoken.
"You should come back sometime," she said, tilting her head slightly. "You know you're always welcome here."
Oliver straightened, giving her a knowing smirk. "Yeah? Even after tonight?"
Reina rolled her eyes, but there was warmth in her gaze. "Just don't push your luck."
He chuckled, standing fully now, his hands resting loosely at his sides. For a moment, they just stood there, the air between them thick with something unspoken. Then, as if following some silent understanding, Reina stepped closer.
She reached up, pressing a soft, lingering kiss against his lips. It wasn't rushed or teasing—just warm, lingering for a second longer before she pulled away.
"Get home safe," she murmured, her voice quieter now.
Oliver exhaled through his nose, his smirk softer this time. "Yeah. See you around."
He grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder as he stepped out into the night. Reina lingered in the doorway, watching as he disappeared down the street, before finally closing the door with a quiet sigh.
—
As Oliver stepped out into the quiet night, the air was crisp, carrying the distant hum of the Yoruichi Ward beyond the Neighborhood of Hoshizakura. The streetlights flickered, casting long shadows against the pavement. He exhaled, his breath visible in the cool air, adjusting his bag over his shoulder as he made his way down the street.
But then—he felt it.
A prickling sensation crawled up his spine, like an unseen weight pressing against him. The distinct feeling of being watched.
His steps slowed, his gaze flickering toward the rooftops, the alleyways, anywhere someone might be lurking. Nothing. Just the stillness of the night.
He shook his head, forcing himself to keep walking. I'm just imagining things.
But high above, perched on the rooftop of a neighboring house, someone was watching.
She sat with one knee drawn up, her school skirt brushing against her thigh as the night wind played with the hem. The dim glow of the streetlights barely touched her, but her eyes gleamed unnaturally in the dark. She had been watching him the entire time, her gaze tracing his movements, her breath steady as if she had all the time in the world.
Oliver's uniform clung to him slightly, still wrinkled from earlier, but her own uniform was pristine.
And even more strange, even though she had never set foot inside the Tachibana residence.
Still, she had seen everything.
Every glance, every whisper, every heated exchange within. She had watched it unfold as if the walls didn't exist for her. The thin silver rune etched into her pupil flickered once before fading, the clairvoyance she had been using finally coming to an end.
She didn't move, didn't speak, and only observed as Oliver disappeared further down the street.
Then, a second presence emerged beside her.
A man. Tall, draped in a long black coat, his hands tucked into his pockets. His face was unreadable, but the way he carried himself exuded quiet authority. Unlike the girl, who had watched intently, he had remained unseen, waiting for her conclusion.
"So?" His voice was deep and measured. "What do you think of him?"
The girl didn't answer immediately. Her gaze lingered on Oliver's retreating form, a strange glint in her eyes.
The man tilted his head slightly, as if already knowing what she was thinking. "Should we deal with him now… or let him go for the time being?"
Finally, she spoke, her voice smooth, carrying the faintest trace of amusement.
"…Let him go. For now."
The man let out a soft chuckle, his breath visible in the cold air. "Interesting choice."
She didn't elaborate. Instead, she finally stood, stretching her arms slightly before stepping back into the darkness.
And just like that—both figures vanished, leaving only the whisper of the wind behind.