Haruki was ushered into the living room, where the familiar sound of laughter and clinking glasses had already begun.
Inside, Mr. Kitayama sat cross-legged at the low table, drinking happily with Kenji and Kazuma. The room smelled of grilled meat, smoke, and sake. The television played softly in the background, ignored.
Haruki bowed as he entered, then sat down properly.
Kyouko paused at the hallway corner.
He really fits in.
Too easily.
They poured drinks generously, the living room filled with warmth, chatter, and the clink of ceramic sake cups.
"Haruki-kun! Drink!" Kitayama called out with a wide grin, raising his cup.
"Thank you, Mr. Kitayama," Haruki said politely, lifting his own with both hands before taking a sip.
"No need to be that stiff, Haruki-kun," Kenji added, grinning. "You're family, right?"
"Ah, thank you, Kenji-san," Haruki replied, relaxing just a little.
Kazuma leaned forward, cup in hand. "So, Haruki-kun… where do you work?"
"Yamashita Corporation."
