Noble Heights — Holland Residence
Dinner time was light and cheerful. Little Harley spoke animatedly, waving her hands as she spoke.
"Mom! You know in school, my friends and I are planning to going to celebrate Jyotiksha festival together!"
"Really? My little gremlin is growing up so fast," Audrey smiled warmly.
At the mention of Jyotiksha, Ryenne cast a quick glance at Kite.
"Don't forget what we planned, blockhead."
"We?"
"Yes, we. Any problem with that?" she asked, eyes narrowing.
"N–none, ma'am!"
Harley looked between them, puzzled but curious.
"Big bro and kind miss are going on another date?"
"We are not going on a date!" they both snapped.
"I'm done for tonight. Goodnight," Kite muttered, standing up stiffly. Chu-Chu, ever loyal, scampered after him.
Ryenne stayed seated, quietly watching him leave. Her expression was unreadable.
---
Tick. Tick. Tick.
Kite lay on his bed, eyes fixed on his pocket watch ticking beside him.
Tick…
The hour hand hit midnight. He sat up, dressed in his double-breasted coat, and gently placed the watch into his pocket. Chu-Chu crawled onto his shoulder, still half-asleep.
Kite stepped onto the windowsill, glanced around, and jumped—landing perfectly on his feet.
"That was quite good, blockhead. Pick that up during your circus days?" Ryenne's voice deadpanned from the shadows.
"Waaah!" Kite yelped, startled.
"Y-you?! Shouldn't you be sleeping?"
"Shut up, blockhead. I'm the one asking questions." She shoved him lightly to the ground and straddled him.
"Wha—"
"Shhh…" She placed a finger on his lips.
A second-floor window creaked open. Audrey peeked out, scanned the yard, and—seeing nothing out of place—closed it quietly.
Ryenne eyed Kite sharply.
"So? Sneaking off at night? Planning to rob someone?"
"I was just… going for a stroll. Couldn't sleep."
"Oh, really?"
"…Yeah."
She stared at him for a long moment, then sighed.
"Be back in an hour, and don't get into trouble."
She tossed him her scarf.
"Cover your face, or do you want to become a wanted thief?"
Kite blinked, surprised. He nodded, clutching the scarf. Ryenne stood up and walked away without another word.
---
Evening – Holland Residence
Kite sat on the couch, deep in thought. Audrey had gone to pick up Harley from school. Ryenne was in her room.
His eyes wandered to the coffee table—and landed on a stack of old newspapers. Absentmindedly, he picked one up.
Big Sale!
January 17th – Blue, red, black – any dress, any design, all on sale!
Kite rolled his eyes.
I can feel the salesman's energy radiating off the page… Wait—blue, red, black…?
He picked up another newspaper:
Biggest Festive Sale!
Majapahit-style white silk and blue velvet outfits – on massive discount!
Another page:
Sale! Sale! Sale!
Saffron and red gowns marked down for festival season!
Kite's brain clicked into motion.
If I'm right… there's a pattern here—
The color themes… the dates… something was forming. Something that wasn't random at all.
---
Hermes Library — Route 7
Kite stood in front of the grand library gates, Ryenne's scarf covering his face, Chu-Chu snug in his coat pocket.
He looked up at the building and exhaled deeply.
I've got a feeling this is going to be a long night...