Hanako leaned closer and whispered softly to her husband.
"Dear?"
"Hmm?" Kitayama replied, still sipping his sake, eyes watching his gathered family.
"You look… happy."
He grunted in reply, not needing to say more.
Hanako just smiled, and kissed his cheek.
A small, simple gesture.
But enough to make both Keiko and Kyouko gasp softly, exchanging excited looks like little girls watching a love story unfold.
Kenji blinked and scratched his cheek. Not embarrassed, just quietly stunned. When had he last seen their parents this affectionate?
Hitomi chuckled behind her glass. Kazuma gave Keiko's hand a squeeze, leaning toward her with a gentle smile.
Daichi and Riko giggled softly, nudging each other like children hiding a secret.
And Haruki?
Haruki smiled.
Warm.
Quiet.
Full.
Inside his mind, a single thought settled like soft light:
This… this is what a family is supposed to be.
Not cold. Not distant. Not full of silence and duty.
