The walk back felt quieter than it should've.
Rain slid off Ukai's leaves in heavy drops, tapping the umbrella above Raizen and Saffi. The streets were softer in this weather - fewer voices, fewer footsteps, less of that constant movement the city had during the day. Raizen kept one hand near his chest pocket now and then, just remembering it was empty.
Saffi walked close beside him under the umbrella, calm and quiet. She didn't ask questions. She just… Matched his pace, like she understood that sometimes silence was the best thing.
When they reached the temporary house, Raizen's shoulders loosened a little. He expected voices inside. Kenzo's loud comments. Eiden's calm presence. Something to ground the day again.
Saffi pushed the door open.
The room was empty.
No one looked up. No one greeted them. No clink of cups, no quiet conversation, no smell of food. Just still air and the faint sound of rain against the roof.
