The morning sun spread gently across the rice terraces, chasing away the last traces of night. Shinji woke slowly, eyes heavy from disrupted sleep. He lay still a moment, quietly listening to the gentle sounds of the house: the muffled footsteps of his mother preparing breakfast, his father's soft voice outside, murmuring instructions for the day's work. Hana's mat was already neatly rolled up beside his own.
He rubbed his eyes, sitting up slowly, still feeling the echoes of last night's nightmare pressing like shadows against the back of his mind. He'd hoped the dawn would wash those memories away, but instead, they lingered stubbornly, whispering quietly at the edges of his thoughts.
Breakfast passed quietly, Hana and their parents glancing at him with gentle concern. No one mentioned the nightmare, though Shinji saw the worry hidden behind their careful smiles. After eating, he helped clear the table, grateful for the calm routine of simple chores.
When morning tasks were finished, he stepped outside onto the porch. Warm sunlight touched his face, and he took a deep breath, trying to shake the lingering unease.
Hana appeared quietly beside him, carrying a small cloth-wrapped bundle. She held it out gently, a faint smile on her lips. "Lunch," she said softly. "I thought you might go practice with Ren today."
He accepted the bundle, feeling a gentle warmth rise in his chest. "Thanks, Hana."
She nodded gently, carefully adjusting her basket of herbs. "Just don't push yourself too hard. You're still recovering."
Shinji smiled faintly, nodding. "I'll be careful."
He walked slowly toward Ren's house, enjoying the peaceful sounds of morning. Ren was already waiting for him outside the smithy, balancing lightly on the balls of his feet, impatient as always. He waved enthusiastically when he spotted Shinji approaching.
"Finally," Ren teased gently. "You took forever."
Shinji smiled apologetically, shrugging. "Sorry. I'm still a little tired."
Ren quickly shook his head, concern replacing his teasing. "Are you sure you feel well enough? We can wait if you need more rest."
Shinji shook his head firmly. "I'm okay. Besides, practice might help."
Ren grinned again, energy returning quickly. "Then let's go. The shed's empty, and Hana said she'd join us later."
They made their way quietly toward the old grain shed, hidden carefully behind the houses. The door creaked quietly as Ren pushed it open, the familiar dusty scent greeting them warmly. Inside, the space felt safe, quiet, protected.
Ren settled quickly on the floor, stretching slightly. Shinji sat slowly beside him, carefully placing Hana's lunch bundle aside. He took a deep breath, trying to find calmness, focusing carefully inward.
"Any luck with your sparks?" Shinji asked quietly, watching Ren carefully.
Ren shrugged lightly. "A little. But it's still hard. How about your… warmth?"
Shinji hesitated briefly, then nodded. "I think it's stronger. Clearer, maybe."
Ren smiled, curious and encouraging. "Show me?"
Shinji held out his hand carefully, focusing gently inward. Slowly, the familiar warmth flickered gently to life within his chest. He guided it carefully outward, feeling it flow slowly into his palm, like water spreading softly through soil.
Ren watched intently, eyes wide. "What does it feel like?"
Shinji considered quietly. "Like… warm sunlight, I guess. Gentle, but real."
Ren held out his own hand, brow furrowing slightly. Tiny sparks flickered weakly at his fingertips, bright but unsteady. "Mine feels sharp," he murmured softly. "Like hot needles."
Shinji watched carefully, fascinated by the differences in their experiences. "Maybe each person feels it differently," he said thoughtfully.
They sat quietly for a moment, carefully experimenting, each trying to strengthen their quiet, secret abilities. The shed was silent except for their gentle breathing and occasional soft whispers of encouragement.
Eventually, the door creaked quietly open again, and Hana slipped quietly inside, smiling gently as she joined them. "Sorry I'm late."
Ren smiled warmly. "You're just in time. Shinji's showing off."
Hana laughed softly, sitting gracefully beside them. "Let me see."
Shinji carefully extended his palm again, warmth rising gently once more, more smoothly this time. Hana watched closely, eyes gently thoughtful.
"I still don't feel mine," she admitted softly, frustration quietly edging her voice.
Shinji smiled reassuringly, gently touching her shoulder. "You will. Maybe it just needs more time."
She nodded quietly, sighing softly. "I hope so."
They practiced quietly for a while longer, the gentle atmosphere easing Shinji's lingering tension. Eventually, Ren stood, stretching tiredly. "I think that's enough for today. My fingers feel numb."
Shinji nodded quietly, carefully flexing his own tired hands. Hana stood gracefully, stretching her back slightly. "We should rest. You both look tired."
They stepped quietly outside, blinking in the soft sunlight. Shinji felt calmer, gently reassured by his friends' quiet companionship. They sat quietly beneath the old cherry tree, eating the lunch Hana had prepared, quietly sharing gentle conversation.
The peacefulness helped soothe Shinji's lingering unease, the gentle rhythm of simple friendship feeling comforting and real. But even as he relaxed slightly, questions still lingered quietly inside him.
Finally, Ren glanced gently toward Shinji, expression carefully serious. "Do you think the nightmares are related to your… warmth?"
Shinji hesitated carefully, gently considering. "I don't know. Maybe."
Hana watched quietly, her voice gently careful. "Have you tried controlling it in your dreams?"
Shinji blinked gently, surprised by the idea. "No. Can I?"
Ren shrugged gently. "Worth trying. Maybe it'll help."
Shinji nodded slowly, feeling quietly hopeful. "I'll try."
They sat quietly together for a while longer, gentle friendship soothing and warm. Eventually, Shinji stood carefully, feeling tiredness gently settling again. "I should rest."
Ren smiled gently, nodding. "We'll practice more tomorrow."
Hana stood gently beside him, quietly supportive. "Sleep well tonight."
He smiled faintly, nodding gratefully. "I'll try."