Dinner at the Katsuragi household was always a comforting routine, the kind that grounded even the most chaotic days. The dining room was warmly lit, with soft amber hues casting long shadows over the steaming dishes laid out on the polished wooden table. Tonight's meal, lovingly prepared by their mother, was a spread of grilled fish, tamagoyaki, pickled vegetables, and miso soup with seaweed and tofu—a simple but hearty meal.
Kokoro sat across from his mother, Eniko, wore a gentle and teasing smile at the dinner table. Next to Kokoro was his ever-energetic little sister, Yui, who was already stuffing her cheeks with rice like a chipmunk.
"You look tired, big bro," Yui said, pausing mid-bite to inspect his face. Her eyes sparkled with playful mischief. "Or maybe you're lovesick?"
Kokoro coughed and quickly brought a cup of tea to his lips. "Don't be ridiculous. I'm just tired from club activities."
