Maid
Lunch with the Tomita Family
The Tomita estate was as grand as ever—lavish gardens, elegant halls, and a dining area that could fit an entire banquet.
Hikaru sat at the long, polished dining table, surrounded by Mei and her family, enjoying a meal that was far too luxurious for him.
Mei's father, Shigeru Tomita, was engaged in business talk with her mother, while Mei's older brother, Ryo Tomita, casually scrolled through his phone.
Hikaru, meanwhile, was trying to eat like a normal person, though he still felt a little out of place.
Mei noticed and grinned. "You still look uncomfortable."
Hikaru sighed. "I just don't think I belong in a place this fancy."
Mei laughed. "Relax. You're my guest. That means you're basically royalty here."
Hikaru rolled his eyes, but before he could reply—
He noticed someone.
The Sad Maid
A maid stood quietly near the back of the dining area, carefully arranging dishes.
Her uniform was immaculate, her posture perfect—but there was something off about her.
She looked… sad.
Her eyes, a cold shade of ice-blue, were distant, as if she were trapped in some memory she couldn't escape.
Hikaru couldn't ignore it.
He leaned toward Mei. "Who is she?"
Mei followed his gaze, then sighed.
"That's Yuki Osamu. She's been working with my family for years."
Hikaru frowned. "She looks… upset."
Mei's expression softened. "Yeah. She has been, for a long time."
Hikaru's concern deepened. "Why?"
Mei hesitated for a moment, then said, quietly—
"She lost her 2-year-old son… 16 years ago."
Hikaru's breath hitched.
"…What?"
Mei nodded solemnly. "He just… disappeared one day. No one ever found him."
Hikaru felt his chest tighten.
Sixteen years.
Sixteen years without closure.
Sixteen years of wondering what happened to her child.
Hikaru looked back at Yuki.
And for the first time, he felt a deep sympathy settle in his chest.
She had lost someone precious—just like he had nearly lost his sister.
Just like Ikazuchi lost his father.
Hikaru clenched his fists.
No wonder she looked so sad.