[The front door clicks shut. Reina tosses her keys into a ceramic bowl by the entrance. Sera kicks off her shoes with a groan.]
Sera: Ugh, I'm starving. Do we still have those frozen dumplings?
Reina: Yeah, bottom shelf of the freezer. I'll heat them up. Tea or juice?
Sera: Juice. Something cold. My soul needs it.
[Reina chuckles softly as she heads to the kitchen. Sera plops onto the couch, stretching out with a sigh. She turns on the TV to a random cooking show.]
Sera: You ever think we haven't had a normal day in, like… weeks?
Reina: calling out from the kitchen That's exactly why today exists. We survived. We breathe. We eat dumplings.
[The microwave beeps. Reina prepares the plates while Sera sets down two mismatched mugs at the coffee table—one with juice, one with tea. Both mugs have faded smiley faces drawn in marker.]
Sera: Cheers to the dumplings of peace.
Reina: grinning May they bless us with zero explosions today.
They both laugh, clinking their mugs lightly.
Sera: This is nice. No running, no hiding...
Reina: Just two tired sisters with burnt tongues from hot dumplings.
Sera: mock serious Worth it.
[They eat in comfortable silence as the cooking show plays in the background, their laughter blending with the soft hum of the city beyond.]
[Sera pokes at her dumplings but her gaze drifts. The light chatter dims as her thoughts settle.]
Sera: quietly Reina… do you remember that fight? The one back at the ruins?
Reina: nods slowly How could I forget?
Sera: I keep thinking about the moment we stood there… blades crossed, words sharper than steel. I was so angry—so lost. Her voice falters slightly. I wasn't just fighting you… I was fighting everything they made me.
Reina: softly I know. I saw it in your eyes. The pain you tried to hide.
Sera: I hated you for looking away. For not being there when they turned me into a weapon. But… I hated myself even more for what I became.
[She sighs, staring at her hands.]
Sera: That moment… when I dropped my blade. When I gave you that one chance… I wasn't sure if it was hope or surrender. Maybe both.
Reina: reaching over It was both. And it changed everything.
[Sera smiles faintly, a mix of relief and lingering sorrow.]
Sera: Tonight… I just want to believe we can be sisters again. Not enemies.
Reina: We will be. One step at a time.
[They share a quiet moment, the weight of their past softened by the simple comfort of shared food and fragile trust.]
[The apartment is quiet now. The remnants of their dinner sit forgotten on the coffee table. Reina stands and stretches.]
Reina: I'm turning in. Big day tomorrow, and I'm wiped.
Sera: Yeah… me too.
[They head down the narrow hallway toward their separate rooms. Reina's door shuts softly behind her.]
[Hours passed, Sera sits on the edge of her bed, the dim glow of the streetlights casting shadows through the curtains. She pulls the blanket up to her chin, but her eyes remain wide open.]
[Her mind drifts back to the fight, the ruins, the words exchanged.]
[Sera's breathing slows but her thoughts grow louder.]
Sera: to herself Vlad's still out there. Not just him—the entire mafia network. Their reach, their power… it's like a shadow that never lets up. Every time I close my eyes, I see those suits lurking in dark corners, whispering plans that could shatter everything.
[She presses her temples with trembling fingers.]
Sera: How do we even begin to stop something this big? We're just two sisters trying to survive a war they dragged us into. I can't let fear rule me—but sometimes it's all I feel.
[Her gaze flickers to the small photo on her bedside table—a faded picture of them as kids, smiling and carefree.]
Sera: I want that back. Not just for me… for Reina, for everyone caught in this mess.
[She exhales slowly, trying to calm the storm inside her mind.]
Sera: Someday we'll fight again. Maybe not with swords, but with everything we've got. For peace. For a chance to reclaim what was stolen.
[The room grows colder. Her heartbeat slows but her mind races.]
[She finally lies back, staring at the ceiling, shadows stretching like tendrils across the walls.]
[Outside, the city hums obliviously.]
[Meanwhile, in the room next door:
Reina lies curled beneath her blanket, breathing steady and calm—fast asleep, dreaming of better days.]
[Next morning, the soft light of dawn filters through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across the modest kitchen. The quiet hum of a stove fills the room.]
[Shirou moves methodically, chopping vegetables with calm precision. The smell of simmering broth begins to fill the air.]
[Down the hall, Shizuka, Kei, and Ryokou remain deep in sleep, their breathing slow and even.]
[Shirou glances toward their rooms with a faint, thoughtful smile.]
Shirou: to himself They're still resting… they need it. After everything that's happened, a moment of peace feels almost like a miracle. I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but right now, this is enough.
[He stirs the pot gently, lost in the quiet rhythm.]
[He sets a plate beside the stove, ready to wake them with a warm meal.]
[The house remains still, holding its breath for the day ahead.]
[The quiet morning is suddenly broken by a soft knock at the front door.]
[Shirou pauses, knife in hand, and listens.]
Shirou: quietly Who could that be this early?
[He wipes his hands on a towel and moves cautiously toward the door, opening it just enough to peek outside.]
[The porch is empty except for a shadowed figure standing still, waiting.]
[Shirou's eyes narrow slightly, curiosity and caution mingling.]
[Shirou opens the door wider, revealing a familiar figure standing just outside — Mio.]
[Mio's hair is slightly tousled from the early morning breeze, and her eyes hold a quiet determination.]
Mio: Morning, Shirou. Hope I'm not too early.
[Shirou's expression shifts from surprise to a warm smile.]
Shirou: Not at all. Come in.
[Shirou closes the door behind Mio and leads her into the kitchen.]
Mio: It's been a few days, huh? Are you all okay?
Shirou: We're managing. Shizuka, Kei, and Ryokou needed the rest more than anything. But the situation with Vlad and the mafia… it's getting worse.
Mio: I know. It feels like no matter what we do, they're always one step ahead. But we can't give up.
Shirou: Yeah. We have to stay sharp and protect each other. That's all we can do for now.
Suddenly, footsteps echo from down the hall.
[Shizuka appears in the doorway, rubbing her eyes, followed by Kei and Ryokou, still half-asleep.]
Shizuka: smiling tiredly Smells good in here.
Kei: Morning already? I could've used a few more hours.
Ryokou: grinning Guess we're not the only early risers today.
[They shuffle into the kitchen, gathering around the table as Shirou sets plates down.]
[The table is set with steaming bowls and plates. Everyone gathers around, the warm scent of breakfast filling the room.]
[Shizuka, Kei, and Ryokou sit down, still waking up, while Shirou serves the food. Mio stands nearby, a small smile playing on her lips.]
Mio: I actually came early because… I bought something for Kei!
[Kei perks up, curious.]
Kei: Something for me? What is it?
Mio: grinning A new video game. Thought you'd enjoy it during your downtime.
[Kei's eyes light up with excitement.]
Kei: No way! That's awesome, Mio! Thank you!
Shirou: smiling Sounds like a good way to relax after everything going on.
Shizuka: It's nice to have something fun to look forward to.
Ryokou: Yeah, a break from all the chaos sounds perfect.
[Mio nods, her expression softening.]
Mio: Exactly. We all need that—some normalcy.
[The group exchanges warm looks, a rare moment of calm amidst the storm.]
[Kei picks up the game case Mio brought, turning it over to check the details.]
Kei: Hey, this is a four-player game!
[He looks around at everyone, a spark of excitement in his eyes.]
Kei: We should all play it later. It'd be fun to do something together for once.
Shizuka: smiling That sounds like a great idea.
Ryokou: Count me in! I'll clobber you up in that game, Kei!
Shirou: Yeah, I'm up for it too. A little downtime might be just what we need.
[Mio nods, pleased.]
Mio: Perfect. It's settled then.
[The mood lightens as they enjoy their breakfast, the thought of gaming together bringing a rare sense of normalcy.]
[As they finish their breakfast plans, a sudden knock echoes at the front door.]
[Everyone pauses, turning toward the sound.]
Shirou: quietly Who could that be now?
[Shirou stands and moves to open the door.]
[He opens it to reveal Ryou and Shin standing side by side, both wearing tired but determined expressions.]
Ryou: Morning. Hope we're not interrupting.
Shin: We wanted to check in—figured you might need backup soon.
[Shirou nods, stepping aside to let them in.]
Shirou: You're just in time. We were actually talking about taking a break—maybe even some gaming later.
[Ryou smirks.]
Ryou: Sounds like my kind of plan.
[Kei looks up at Ryou and Shin, curiosity shining through his tired eyes.]
Kei: Hey, what about Sera and Reina? Didn't they come with you guys?
[Shin exchanges a quick glance with Ryou before answering.]
Shin: They're tied up with some things today. Needed some time to themselves.
Ryou: Yeah, they're spending the day together. Kind of a rare moment for just the two of them.
Kei: Oh… I see. Guess they needed the break too. Plus, it's a long time since they've seen each other as sisters.
Shirou: Hopefully, they get some peace. It's been intense lately for everyone.
[The group nods, understanding the weight behind the words.]
[The group is sprawled on the floor and couches, controllers in hand, intensely focused on the TV screen.]
[Quick cuts show moments of laughter, playful trash talk, and friendly competition.]
Kei: cheering Yes! Take that, Ryokou!
Ryokou: laughing Beginner's luck, that's all! Just you wait, gorrila.
[The screen flashes with colorful explosions and frantic button mashing.]
Mio: teasing Shin, you're going down this round.
Shin: grinning We'll see about that!
[Time speeds up with rapid cuts:
Ryou accidentally throws a power-up off the stage.
Shizuka gets knocked out, mock-pouting.
Kei dramatically overreacts to a game defeat, falling back onto the couch.
Shirou furiously tries to catch up, only to get taken out last second.]
[The game ends with cheerful shouts and laughter echoing through the room.]
[Everyone collapses onto the couches and floor, exhausted but smiling.]
Kei: panting That was way more intense than I expected.
Mio: grinning Told you—multiplayer games bring out the best and worst in us.
Ryokou: teasing Especially when Kei's "dramatic" defeat happens.
[Kei waves a hand, mock offended.]
Kei: Hey! That was an emotional moment, okay?
Ryou: laughing Yeah, we all felt it.
[Shizuka stretches, yawning.]
Shizuka: I needed this… a break from everything.
Shin: nods Same here. We should do this more often.
[The room settles into a comfortable quiet, the warmth of friendship filling the space.]
[The group relaxes after the game when Shin suddenly clears his throat and looks toward Shirou.]
Shin: Hey, Shirou… can I have a word with you? Something about the incident.
[Shirou nods, setting down his controller.]
Shirou: Sure. Let's step outside for a bit.
[They quietly leave the room and head toward the front door.]
[The cool breeze rustles the leaves as Shin and Shirou stand apart from the house, shadows stretching over the grass.]
Shin: serious We need to talk about what's coming next. Things are getting more complicated—and dangerous.
Shirou: nods Yeah. Sure...
[They exchange a look, the weight of their conversation settling between them.]
[As Shirou and Shin step outside, a slight quiet falls over the living room. Shizuka tilts her head, curiosity stirring.]
Shizuka: whispering to Ryou
Hey… what do you think that was about? Why'd Shin suddenly pull Shirou outside like that?
Ryou:
leans back, eyes on the window Not sure. But knowing Shin? It's probably something important. She's not the type to waste words.
Shizuka: nods slowly She did seem really serious earlier… You think it's related to what happened before?
Kei: grinning You guys act like it's some spy thriller. Maybe Shin just wanted to talk about breakfast recipes.
Mio: playfully elbowing Kei
Yeah, sure—"top secret scrambled eggs."
[They laugh lightly, but Shizuka's gaze lingers on the door, her smile fading just a little.]
[The warm breeze rustles the grass as Shirou stands beside Shin, hands in his pockets. Shin looks ahead, arms crossed, her expression unreadable.]
Shirou: You pulled me out here. What's on your mind?
Shin: still facing forward
It's about our last meeting. With Reina.
Shirou: turning slightly to her Reina?
Shin: sighs She told me something I haven't stopped thinking about…
She said you need to be ready. Really ready. Because there might come a time you'll have to fight harder than ever—so you don't lose Shizuka again.
Shirou: tenses …
Shin: She didn't mean just physically. She meant emotionally. Mentally. Everything. Whatever's coming, she thinks you'll be the center of it. And she's right.
Shirou: grits his teeth
I thought I was prepared. After everything that's happened…
Shin: softly You've gotten stronger, yeah. But you still hesitate. You hold back when it's about her.
Shirou… next time, hesitation might cost you more than just time.
[Shirou stays silent for a moment, jaw clenched as he looks to the sky.]
Shirou: Thanks for telling me. I needed that.
Shin: smirking slightly
Yeah, well. You're not alone. Just don't screw it up.
[The door opens and the two step back inside. The others glance up from the couch where they've been lounging post-game. Kei is upside down on the sofa, legs hanging over the backrest while eating chips.]
Kei: conspiratorial tone
Back from your little secret mission?
Shin: smug Classified.
Mio: laughing You two always look like you came out of a crime drama when you do that.
Shizuka:
eyes narrowing slightly, still curious What was it really about?
[Shirou just walks past them with a small smile, ruffling Shizuka's hair gently as he does.]
Shirou: Nothing for you to worry about. Everything's fine.
[Shizuka watches him go for a moment, her expression softening, but her curiosity far from satisfied.]
[The orange hue of the afternoon sun filters through the curtains. The air is filled with the quiet hum of relaxation. The PS5 has long gone into rest mode. Cups of juice and empty snack wrappers are scattered on the table.]
Ryou: stretching Alright… I think it's about time we hit the road. It's getting late.
Shin:
nods while grabbing her jacket Yeah. Don't want to get caught in the evening patrol shifts either.
They both head toward the door. Kei waves lazily from the couch.
Kei:
Later.
Ryou: chuckles Stay outta trouble, guys.
Shin: glancing to Mio
You heading out too?
[Mio, who's been unusually quiet, shakes her head with a faint smile.]
Mio: Nah… I think I'll stay here tonight.
Shizuka: surprised You are?
Mio: nods Yeah. Got my reasons. Don't worry—cleared it with my folks already.
Shirou: You're always welcome. Just let me know if you need anything.
Mio: smiles genuinely Thanks.
[Ryou and Shin share a quick glance, nod to Shirou and the group, then step out the door.]
[The lights are dim and the cozy warmth of the evening settles in. Mio lounges on the couch with Kei, watching a comedy show. Soft laughter fills the background. Ryokou is nodding off in a nearby chair, a blanket draped over him.]
[Shizuka stands near the back door, hesitant, glancing toward Shirou who's just finished tidying up some dishes in the kitchen.]
Shizuka: calmly Hey, Shirou… can we talk? Outside.
[Shirou looks up, reading the seriousness in her tone. He wipes his hands and nods.]
Shirou: Sure.
[The air is cool. The sky is clear, stars scattered like a thousand tiny stories above them. The lawn glows softly under the porch light. Shizuka stands still for a moment, arms crossed gently over her chest.]
Shirou: walking beside her
What's on your mind?
[She looks up at him, uncertain at first, then slowly exhales.]
Shizuka: …Do you ever wonder what would've happened if we never met?
[Shirou blinks, slightly taken aback by the sudden question. But he stays quiet, letting her continue.]
Shizuka: I've been thinking about that a lot lately. Especially after everything that's happened… the mafia, the experiment, Sera and Reina's fight… and the way things just keep getting more dangerous.
[She turns to face him fully.]
Shizuka: If I'm ever taken again… if something happens to me… I want to know that I wasn't just someone you had to protect. I want to mean something more than just that.
[There's a brief silence. The sound of the wind rustling through the grass is all that separates them.]
Shirou: softly, but firmly You're not someone I protect because I have to… I protect you because I want to. Because you matter to me.
[Shizuka looks away, eyes reflecting the porch light, unsure whether it's emotion or just starlight.]
Shizuka: ...Thank you. I just needed to hear that.
[The wind carries a gentle breeze, brushing through Shizuka's hair as she watches Shirou take a seat on the edge of the porch steps. She hugs his back slightly, thoughtful but calm.]
[Shizuka remains standing for a moment, staring at him—her chest rising slowly as something stirs inside her. A feeling that's been building up for days… maybe even since they first met.]
Shizuka: to herself
Now would be the perfect time.
No noise. No distractions. Just him and me under the stars…
But… what if I ruin this? What if he's not ready to hear it…?
[She takes a step forward, then stops himself. Her hands curl slightly into fists.]
Shizuka: to herself I want to tell him. That I've never met anyone who's ever made me feel this way before.
That every time he smiles, it's like the world goes quiet…
But—what if he pulls away? What if things get awkward?
[Shirou looks back up at her, noticing her silence.]
Shirou: softly Shizuka? Is everything okay?
[She quickly forces a small smile, twirling a couple of strands of her hair.]
Shizuka: Yeah… yeah. Just… thinking too much, I guess.
[She moves to sit beside him, leaving a bit of space between them. They both stare ahead into the night—comfortably quiet.]
[But she couldn't handle it anymore—the emotions she felt to him through the times that they spent even it only took a few months.]
Shizuka: softly Shirou, I—
[Just then…]
Kei: from a distance Heyyy, are you guys still out—?
[Kei steps onto the lawn, spotting them sitting a little too close. Her brows raise in immediate suspicion.]
Kei: Ohhh~? What's this? Am I interrupting something?
[Shirou glanced to him casual but Shizuka leaned almost instantly.]
Shizuka: clears throat awkwardly N-Nah, we were just… talking about—uh… stargazing! Yeah. Talking about stars.
Shirou: nods, a bit stiffly
Yeah, she's right. Why don't you join us, Kei?
[Ryokou follows the track onto them, she saw Shirou sitting in the lawn with Shizuka flushed.]
[She grasped the true situation by intuition and grabbed a rolled newspaper lying in the balcony.]
THWACK!
Ryokou: Gosh, men are so despicable...
[Kei, totally unaware of Ryokou's appearance, got smacked by her]
Kei: startled What was that for?!
Ryokou: Nothing. A mindless gorilla like you wouldn't even understand.
Kei: groaning Ryokou-chan, that's so mean~
Ryokou: frustrated Try to infuriate me again, you'll receive this twice the damage.
Kei: Yes, ma'am.
Shirou: You two, better stop your banter now or that'll worsen, okay? Come on, let's go inside. Shizuka?
Shizuka: Eh? Ah yeah, let's.
[As they walk back to the house, they prepared their rooms to sleep soundly.]
[Shizuka's chance will shine someday.]