The Kazama estate was calm in the early morning. Yuto was up early, already washed and dressed, and made his way to the dining room with quiet steps.
To his surprise, the table was already set and seated at it were Ren, Emi, and Great-Grandma Chiyo, who sat in her usual spot near the window, sipping tea and folding a napkin in her lap with delicate precision.
"Good morning," Yuto greeted, bowing respectfully.
Emi smiled warmly. "Morning, Yuto. Sleep well?"
"Yes, thank you."
Ren gave a short nod. "Punctual. I like that."
Granny Chiyo lifted her head and gave him a sharp but affectionate look. "You've filled out. Taller than I remember. A little sharper in the jaw. But still the same shy eyes."
Yuto gave her a small smile. "It's good to see you again, Chiyo-sama."
The four of them settled into breakfast, and after a few minutes of small talk, Yuto cleared his throat. He set down his cup with quiet finality.
"There's something I'd like to talk to you all about."
Emi tilted her head, curious.
Yuto's voice was steady but respectful. "Now that I'm back in Tokyo… I'd like to ask for your permission to pursue Hina. Genuinely. As more than a friend."
Emi's smile softened, her eyes misting just slightly. Granny Chiyo's hands stilled over her rice bowl, watching him closely.
Ren raised an eyebrow. "That's a bold thing to bring up first morning back."
"I've thought about it for a long time," Yuto said. "And I know I've been away, but I've never stopped thinking about her. Now that we're both starting a new chapter… I want her to know she can count on me, not just as someone from her past, but as someone she can build a future with."
Granny Chiyo gave a quiet hum. "You always had heart. I wondered if you'd grow into the courage to match it."
Emi smiled. "You have our blessing, Yuto. But don't rush her. Let her feel it at her own pace."
Ren gave a small nod. "She's strong, but her heart is careful. If you want her trust, you have to earn it slowly."
Yuto bowed his head. "I will."
At that moment, hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.
Hina stumbled in, her hair slightly messy, oversized pajama top slipping off one shoulder. She froze as she saw everyone already seated and Yuto sitting calmly at the table like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Her eyes widened. "I—oh no! I overslept?"
"You did," Emi said, biting back a grin.
Granny Chiyo gave her a knowing glance. "But your timing is perfect, as always."
Yuto offered a soft smile. "Good morning."
Hina mumbled a flustered, "Good morning…" before dropping into the seat beside him and grabbing her bowl, avoiding all eye contact.
"You missed a great conversation," Chiyo said lightly.
"About what?" Hina asked, mouth already full of rice.
"Oh, nothing," Emi said sweetly. "Just life and… next steps."
Yuto sipped his tea calmly. "You looked cute when you walked in, by the way."
Hina immediately choked on her food. "Y-Yuto!"
He leaned in slightly, whispering, "Too much?"
"Way too much," she hissed, face turning bright pink. "You don't get to say things like that first thing in the morning!"
"Why not? It's honest."
Ren let out a soft grunt and stood, effectively ending the conversation. "We'll move your stuff now."
"I'll help!" Hina offered, standing as well.
"No need," Ren said with a side glance. "Let the men handle it."
"Yeah," Yuto added. "You can stay here and finish your rice."
Hina glared at both of them. "You two are ridiculous."
As Yuto walked past her with his bag, he leaned close again. "By the way… you're just as cute as I remembered."
Hina turned red down to her collarbones. "Go already!"
And just like that, Yuto left while Hina sat slumped over the table, her spoon half-buried in rice, trying to recover from Yuto's unexpected comments. Her ears were still burning.
Emi walked over with two cups of tea and slid one toward her daughter, sitting down beside her with a knowing smile.
"You survived," Emi teased gently. "Barely."
Hina groaned, burying her face in her arms. "I'm never waking up late again. Ever."
Emi chuckled. "He didn't seem to mind. Actually, he looked… quite happy to see you."
Hina peeked up at her, cheeks still pink. "Mom…"
Emi took a sip of tea, her eyes softening. "So? How does it feel?"
"What?"
"Him being back. Sitting across from you again. Real, not on a screen."
Hina blinked slowly, the question sinking in.
She looked down at her tea, then whispered, "It feels… strange. Like something I dreamed for so long finally came true, but now I don't know what to do with it."
Emi smiled gently. "You've been waiting for him in your own quiet way. Even when you were busy. Even when you said you were 'moving on.'"
"I didn't think he'd still feel the same," Hina admitted. "Not after all this time."
Emi reached out and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Some people don't need reminders. Their hearts remember on their own."
Hina's eyes shimmered. "Do you think… it's okay to still love someone you haven't seen in years?"
Emi leaned in and said softly, "I think it's more than okay, sweetheart. I think it's beautiful. And rare."
Hina sat quietly for a moment, her heart quietly unfolding like petals in bloom.
"He's really back," she whispered.
Emi smiled, eyes glinting with a mother's knowing warmth. "Yes, he is."
"And I think I'm in trouble," Hina added under her breath.
Emi laughed, lifting her cup. "Good. About time."