The library was peaceful. Quiet. A sanctuary within a sanctuary.
No students wandered the aisles. No whispered conversations disturbed the stillness. It was just them—Kaito and Yuki—sitting in the farthest corner, hidden from the world by walls of books.
Kaito spoke first. His voice, when it came, carried a warmth that few had ever heard.
"Welcome back, Yuki." A pause. "And thank you. For keeping my past private back there."
Yuki's expression softened, her usual bright energy settling into something more genuine. "It's okay. I knew I'd find you eventually, but I didn't expect us to be in the same class." She laughed quietly. "What are the odds, right?"
Kaito's lips twitched—almost a smile. "Low. Statistically improbable. But not impossible."
She tilted her head, studying him. "You haven't changed. Still calculating everything."
"Some things don't change."
A comfortable silence settled between them. Then Kaito spoke again, piecing together the puzzle.
"That might explain why everyone was cleaning the house this morning. And why Aiko took leave from work." He paused, processing. "They're probably preparing a reunion. After all these years." He looked at Yuki. "But no one told me. I guess they wanted it to be a surprise."
Yuki nodded, grinning. "Aunt Aiko is really excited. She's been planning it for weeks."
Another pause. Then Kaito's gaze sharpened slightly. "One question. Why did you tell them we were childhood friends, instead of cousins?"
Yuki's grin widened into something mischievous. "I wanted to see everyone's reaction." She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with playful curiosity. "And also... I wanted to see your girlfriend's reaction. But you don't have one, so..." She shrugged dramatically.
Kaito stared at her for a moment. Then, quietly, almost imperceptibly, the corner of his mouth lifted.
"Maybe I might fall for someone after all," he said.
The words hung in the air, simple and profound.
Yuki's eyes widened. Then she clapped her hands together, barely containing her excitement. "Wait—really? Who? Tell me everything!"
Kaito stood, adjusting his bag. "That's a conversation for another time. We should head back before they send a search party."
Yuki pouted but followed, falling into step beside him. As they walked toward the door, she glanced at him sideways.
"You're different, Kaito. Warmer. Something's changed."
He didn't respond. But he didn't deny it either.
The library door slid shut behind them, leaving the silence to settle once more.
(End of Chapter 55)