"Aira, Really? A Ghost?"

Kai held Hannah close, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the storm brewing in his mind. Her soft breaths brushed against his chest, her lips slightly parted in serene slumber. She looked content, her hourglass figure fitting perfectly against Kai's toned, athletic frame. Her face rested against his shoulder, nuzzled into him as though he was her anchor.

Kai's hand moved gently along her back, his touch intimate and soothing. Yet, his expression betrayed his inner turmoil. His mind churned relentlessly, replaying every possibility, every strategy, every risk. Will I save Mina without sacrificing others? The question lingered like a shadow over his thoughts, his jaw tightening as he tried to quiet the doubts.

The faint glow of the moon spilled through the window, casting a soft, ethereal light over the room. They were cocooned beneath the warmth of the blanket, their bare bodies tangled together. The intimacy of the moment, however, did little to ease the weight on Kai's shoulders.

His gaze shifted to the moonlight, its silver glow offering no answers, only the stark reminder of time slipping away. Yet, as Hannah shifted slightly against him, her soft murmur breaking the silence, Kai's heart softened. He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple, drawing strength from her presence. I'll figure it out. I have to.

Suddenly, the quiet of the room was pierced by the soft buzz of Kai's phone. Reacting swiftly, he reached for it, silencing it before it could disturb Hannah. His gaze flicked to the screen—Alexander Hoffman-Klein.

Hmm, so he just saw my message now? Kai's thoughts flashed, irritation simmering beneath the surface. But there was no time for that now.

He pressed the phone to his ear, careful not to disturb the peaceful rhythm of Hannah's breathing. His hand, instinctively, moved to cup her ear, gently covering it to protect her from the sound.

"What is it?" Kai's voice was low, barely more than a whisper, as he held the phone in one hand and kept the other protectively around Hannah.

"I saw the photo you sent. You should come in early tomorrow. We'll discuss the plan at headquarters. I want you to handle the operation to rescue your colleagues." Alexander's voice was gruff, his tone unyielding.

Kai's jaw tightened. Of course he's assigning me this.

"Okay," was all Kai said before hanging up abruptly, not waiting for Alexander's response. He placed the phone back on the bedside table, his movements slow and deliberate, his mind already racing with plans.

Turning back toward Hannah, he pulled her gently closer, burying her against his shoulder once more. His expression had hardened, unreadable now, as the weight of his responsibilities settled back over him.

A soft murmur escaped Hannah's lips as she shifted slightly, her hand instinctively reaching for the pillow. "Lovey, are you still awake?" she whispered, her voice drowsy, eyes half-lidded as she searched his face in the dim light.

Kai paused, his heart tightening. He looked into her eyes, those blue depths filled with concern. "Don't worry about me, okay? I'm just thinking about the plan for tomorrow," he murmured softly, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Don't worry."

Hannah sighed, savoring the warmth of his kiss, then nestled herself deeper into his embrace, feeling his steady presence calm the unease in her. "Okay," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But don't tire yourself out thinking too much, alright?"

Kai's lips tugged into a faint, soft smile as he closed his eyes, letting the tension in his body ease. He tightened his hold around her, as if anchoring himself to her warmth. The storm in his mind quieted for a brief moment, swallowed by the softness of her embrace.

Tomorrow, I'll figure it out. I have to. He pressed his lips to her temple once more, holding her just a little tighter as they drifted back into the quiet of the night.

"Onii-chan! Onii-chan!"

Kai's eyes fluttered open at the soft, urgent voice calling to him. He turned around reluctantly, still half-dazed, his body still heavy with the remnants of sleep.

It was Aira, her face flushed with panic, both hands gripping her pajama pants between her thighs. Her eyes were wide with distress, her small frame trembling with urgency.

Aira, 11 years old, had long red hair like their mother, cascading down her back in soft waves. Her blue eyes were the same as Kai's, though hers always seemed to shine with an innocent kind of wonder. She had the same delicate features as Airi, but her youthful expression was far more urgent than any child should have to show at this hour.

"Aira?" Kai mumbled groggily, his voice still thick with sleep.

"Onii-chan, I need to pee!" Aira's voice wavered as she shook, hands clutching at her pajama bottoms desperately.

Kai let out a panicked sigh. "Why didn't you ask Mama?" His tone was low, his gaze flickering to where Hannah slept peacefully beside him, her breathing slow and steady.

Aira's frustration boiled over as she slapped him lightly on the arm. "Just go! Mama's asleep, and I need you to come with me. There's a ghost!" she pleaded, tugging at his hand and pulling him forcefully out of the bed.

Kai groaned quietly, pushing off the blankets and reluctantly following her. "Aira, really? A ghost?"

They reached Aira's room, where Airi, their mother, slept soundly in a soft cotton t-shirt and matching pajama pants. Her face was serene, oblivious to the chaos her daughter was dragging her older brother into.

Aira opened the bathroom door quietly, glancing back at Kai with wide, pleading eyes. "Come here, Onii-chan," she whispered urgently. "There's a ghost in the mirror!"

Kai sighed, rolling his eyes slightly, but stepped inside anyway. He turned away to give Aira privacy, leaning against the bathroom counter. He had no idea what was going through her mind, but it was clear that her imagination had taken a hold of her tonight.

Ghosts in the mirror? Kai thought with an inward smile, but he stayed quiet as Aira finished.

"Thanks, Onii-chan!" Aira's voice was soft, and she opened her arms toward him. "Carry me, I didn't see you earlier," she pleaded, a small pout forming on her lips.

Kai's expression softened as he smiled, his protective instincts kicking in. He slid his hands under her arms, lifting her effortlessly like a child. "You're such a softie," he teased gently. "You should go to sleep now, or else the ghost might come take you."

Aira giggled, snuggling closer to him, wrapping her small arms around his neck. "Hey, Onii-chan," she said, her voice mischievous as she sniffed him playfully. "You smell like Hannah-chan. Did you two do the... baby-making process?" She sniffed him again like a wolf sizing up her prey, her lips curling into a teasing grin.

Kai's cheeks flushed bright red, and he quickly tried to brush it off. "Silly!" he scolded softly, his voice barely hiding his embarrassment. "Sleep now, okay? Before Mama catches you awake."

Aira's eyes softened with affection, and she leaned in to press a small kiss to his cheek, her earlier teasing replaced by a sense of trust. "Okay, put me down, Onii-chan."

"Kay!" Kai replied, setting her down gently on her bed.