Chapter 31 - A Important Occasion

The front door clicked shut as Raito stepped back into the villa. The quiet hum of the late evening settled around him like a familiar cloak. He let out a breath, kicking off his shoes and stretching his neck as he wandered toward the living room.

The soft glow of the TV spilled across the floor, flickering across Raika's face as she lounged on the couch, blanket wrapped loosely around her shoulders. Emi lay in her crib nearby, already fast asleep, her tiny breaths steady and peaceful.

Raito glanced toward the wall calendar pinned neatly beside the kitchen. Something about it tugged at his attention, and he walked over, scanning the dates.

His eyes narrowed.

Tomorrow's date was circled in red.

He stood there for a moment, unmoving, the corners of his mouth tightening. The air around him shifted slightly, his usual relaxed posture giving way to something more rigid—more serious. Whatever that date meant, it wasn't something trivial.

But he didn't say anything. He turned from the calendar, rolling his neck once more, letting the moment pass.

"Alright," he said as he walked toward the living room. "Bedtime."

Raika groaned from the couch, burying herself deeper into the blanket. "Five more minutes! I'm watching something!"

"Nope," Raito replied flatly. "Do you want me to drop you off at school tomorrow or not?"

Raika immediately sat up, glaring at him with a mix of frustration and panic. "You wouldn't."

Raito raised a brow. "Try me."

She pouted, clearly weighing the odds, before letting out a dramatic sigh and dragging herself off the couch. "You're the worst."

"Glad we're clear," Raito muttered, watching her shuffle off toward her room.

He glanced toward Emi, who let out a soft, sleepy whimper before turning in her crib. Raito stepped over and gently adjusted her blanket, the seriousness still lingering in his expression.

With a final glance toward the now-dark living room, he made his way to his bedroom.

He shut the door behind him, the calm of the house returning once more.

Tomorrow was going to be important.

And Raito intended to be ready for it.