静かな朝、重なる鼓動 (Shizukana Asa, Kasanaru Kodō – A Quiet Morning, Overlapping Heartbeats)

(Shizukana Asa, Kasanaru Kodō – A Quiet Morning, Overlapping Heartbeats)

A Quiet Morning, Overlapping Heartbeats

Thursday, 7:14 AM – Ren's House

The storm was gone.

The air was crisp. The sky pale blue, the kind you only see after a heavy night of rain.

And inside the house — something had changed.

It was still quiet…But not the tense, uncomfortable quiet.This one was gentle. Peaceful.

The kind that follows a cry.

Scene: The Kitchen Shift

Ren stood at the counter, pouring hot water into two mugs.

Rika entered — hair damp, hoodie oversized, eyes softer than usual.

He handed her one mug.

She took it, staring at it for a second, before mumbling:

"…Thanks."

He smiled. "You're not running today?"

"Only running on caffeine."

They stood beside each other in silence.

Then, suddenly, she leaned her head gently on his shoulder.

Only for a moment.

But it said enough.

"I'm still here.""And so are you."

Scene: The Living Room Changes

Yui walked past them, rubbing her eyes, hoodie dragging on the floor.

She paused when she saw Rika standing close to Ren.

But instead of scoffing… she smiled — faint, tired, but genuine.

"…Guess we're all breaking in different ways," she muttered.

Then she walked toward the kitchen and poured cereal like nothing happened.

Haruka showed up next.

Still cool. Still distant.

But she said, "Morning," for the first time in days.

Ren blinked. "Morning."

It felt… real.

Scene: Mei and the Window

Mei was already sitting by the window, journal in hand.

She glanced at Ren as he approached.

"You ran into the storm for her," she said, not accusing — just observing.

"I couldn't leave her alone."

"I know," she said, closing the notebook. "That's why we all fell for you."

Ren sat beside her.

For a long moment, neither spoke.

But their heartbeats — slow, steady — overlapped in the silence.

Scene: Emi's Gentle Nudge

When Emi joined them, she placed a small tray of fruit slices on the table.

No one asked her to.

She just always knew what the room needed.

She sat next to Ren, eyes not on him — but smiling slightly at the whole group.

For the first time in days, they were together.

Still bruised. Still uncertain.

But together.

Final Scene: Inner Monologue

"I still haven't chosen anyone.I still don't know how this ends.

But this morning…I felt something new.

Not pressure.Not confusion.

Just five heartbeatsAll near mine."

Closing Line:

"After every storm,the earth breathes again.

And sometimes, so do we."